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RICHMOND, Va. — On October 3rd, members of Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) voted unanimously to set an Upper Payment Limit (UPL) on Enbrel, a prescription drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other conditions. The drug was deemed “unaffordable” by the board and the UPL was set at $600 per 50mg/1ML unit, with the potential to save $32 million. This is the same price that was negotiated at the Federal level for use in Medicare Part D as part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic reforms to lower costs. This action makes Colorado the first state in the country with a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to set an Upper Payment Limit on a prescription drug.
Enbrel was first deemed “unaffordable” by Colorado’s PDAB in 2024. According to their previous report, over $83 million was spent on Enbrel by patients and insurers in Colorado in 2023. Of those surveyed in the report, 71% reported that the cost of Enbrel has made it difficult to access. Enbrel was also one of the drugs deemed most expensive nationwide in 2024, and was one of the drugs given a Maximum Fair Price (MFP) for Medicare Part D users in 2024.
Legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia was passed in 2024 and 2025, but was vetoed both years by Governor Youngkin. This legislation is sorely needed in Virginia, with 1 of 4 Virginians who rely on prescription medications choosing not to take them simply because they cannot afford them. And with prescription drug costs rising above the rate of inflation, Virginians are more supportive than ever of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to help combat the rising cost of living. A recent poll by AARP showed that Virginia voters of all political ideologies support legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Support includes 76% of voters identifying as conservatives, 92% of liberals and 86% of moderates.
Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement regarding the Colorado board’s decision:
“We are so happy to see that Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board took action and set an upper payment limit on a medication that is unaffordable to the many people who rely on it. As the first state in the country to use a PDAB to lower the cost of prescription drugs, Colorado has set an important precedent that we should follow in Virginia to lower costs here. Colorado has shown that states can take on the pharmaceutical industry to protect patients.
Meanwhile, Virginians are still being price gouged by corporate greed with every prescription. We are hopeful that Virginia’s General Assembly will follow Colorado’s lead and pass Prescription Drug Affordability Board legislation again this legislative session, and that access to affordable life-saving prescription drugs will become a reality for every Virginian.”
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