RICHMOND, Va. — This week, Freedom Virginia is running a billboard campaign in the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas, urging Governor Spanberger to sign the Affordable Medicine Act, SB271, patroned by Senator Creigh Deeds (D-Charlottesville), and HB483, patroned by Delegate Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax).
The campaign calls on Governor Spanberger to sign the Affordable Medicine Act, legislation that will save Virginians millions in out-of-pocket costs by extending the federally negotiated Medicare Maximum Fair Prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs to hundreds of thousands of people not enrolled in Medicare. The legislation models its first-in-the-nation approach on the federal Medicare-negotiated prices that are already in effect and have been adopted – and expanded– by both the Biden and Trump administrations, and would begin saving Virginians money as early as January 1, 2027.
The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in the General Assembly this year, with the bill passing the Senate by a 34-6 vote and the House by a 95-4 vote. The General Assembly again voted with bipartisan support to reject the governor’s amendments to the bill during the April 22 special session. Governor Spanberger now has until May 22 to take final action on the Affordable Medicine Act.
Freedom Virginia Co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement:
“We want Virginians to know what’s at stake with the Affordable Medicine Act and encourage them to use their voice and tell Governor Spanberger to sign the legislation. We also want to remind the governor what this legislation means for Virginians. Millions of dollars in savings on prescription drugs will go a long way in making Virginia more affordable for hardworking families.
“On the same billboards, in the same areas, at the same time, People Over Profits – an “advocacy” group backing Pharma efforts to oppose prescription drug affordability legislation across the country – is running a campaign to dissuade the governor from signing. Yet another example of the lengths the pharmaceutical industry will go to just to keep its profits high. This legislation will not only save Virginians money but also hold bad actors like PBMs and pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in making prescriptions unaffordable.
“This is about putting Virginians first. Prioritizing their health and their wealth above special interests and big corporations. We can bring down the cost of medicine in an immediate and effective way, while ensuring transparency throughout the industry so costs won’t be hiked back up. Governor Spanberger has the opportunity to set an example across the country and make Virginia a leader by signing the Affordable Medicine Act.
“The General Assembly made it clear that it’s time to stand up to Big Pharma by sending the Act to the governor’s desk with nearly unanimous bipartisan support. We’re right there with them. It is time to take action to lower the cost of medicine for Virginians. We urge Governor Spanberger to sign the Affordable Medicine Act and make Virginia more affordable.”
