Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB)
The Problem
1 out of every 4 Virginians who depend on prescriptions chooses not to take those medications solely because they cannot afford them. Over the last decade, Virginians have been shouldering a greater burden of prescription drug costs than most Americans. In 2020, Virginians spent 36% more per person on prescription drugs than the national average: $1,500 in Virginia compared to $1,100 nationally. From 2015 to 2020, Virginians’ average spending on prescription drugs rose from $1,400 to $1,500 – a 6.6% increase, more than twice the national increase. Last year, Virginians paid a combined $3.2 billion on prescription drugs in the commercial market. Big pharmaceutical companies are making record profits while Virginia families face skyrocketing prescription drug costs.
Interact below to see how much money big pharma is spending to keep prescription costs high.
The Solution
A Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) would lower the cost of medicine by setting upper payment limits (UPLs) on how much Virginia consumers pay for certain medications. The PDAB is an independent body of health and medical experts appointed by the governor, House, and Senate who use proven, data-based strategies that are already working in other states to lower prescription drug prices. The Board will consider a broad range of economic factors when setting appropriate payment rates for reviewed drugs, allowing pharmaceutical manufacturers the opportunity to justify existing drug costs. A 2023 AARP poll showed that 75% of Virginia voters support the creation of a PDAB, including 85% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans, and 70% of Independents.
This year, Delegate Karrie Delaney led the fight for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board after both PDAB bills proposed in 2024 (SB 274- Sen. Creigh Deeds and Sen. Bill Stanley and HB 570- Del. Karrie Delaney) were vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. The bill, HB 1742, passed both chambers in 2025 with bipartisan support, but was vetoed by Governor Youngkin.
Medicine can’t do its job if you can’t afford it, and Virginians shouldn’t have to choose between prescriptions and other necessities like rent and groceries.
