Tell your lawmakers to support legislation establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board this legislative season
Drug manufacturers set prices as high as the market will bear – that’s why Americans pay 2-4 times what patients in other countries pay for the same medications. Eleven states have already established Drug Price Accountability Boards, or what some states call a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Rhode Island should join them. This is a commonsense way to address affordability issues in our state.
Rhode Island does not yet have a Drug Price Accountability Board. Now is the time to act.
Legislation establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board could be introduced this legislative season – but only if lawmakers hear from constituents that this matters.
Your voice makes a difference. Tell your Rhode Island state lawmakers to support legislation establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
1 in 4 adults report difficulty affording prescription medications
Rhode Island taxpayers spend an average of $154M a year on Medicaid prescription drugs, even after manufacturer rebates – based on the three most recent years of data (FY2021–2023). Driven by manufacturers’ list prices, these costs strain state budgets, taxpayers, and small businesses.
Four states can now set Upper Payment Limits on unaffordable medications – power to be used only in extreme cases of runaway drug prices, causing harm to our state’s residents. Rhode Island could be the fifth.
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✓ Your voice joins other Rhode Islanders calling for drug price reform
Colorado became the first state to vote for a drug price cap in February 2024, targeting Enbrel (a medication for autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis) after its price increased 1,582% since FDA approval. Rhode Island has the opportunity to take a stand this legislative season.