January 24, 2023 News & Press Releases

Virginia Republicans Kill Prescription Affordability Board


by Democratic Party of Virginia

RICHMOND, VA – In a meeting of House Commerce and Energy Subcommittee #4, Republican Delegates voted unanimously to kill HB 1596, a bill that would have created a prescription affordability review board.

The board would have been tasked with conducting regular prescription drug affordability reviews and setting price-caps to protect patients from rising pharmaceutical prices and corporate price-gouging.

“Republican Delegates continue to support the policy agenda of the pharmaceutical industry, while ignoring Virginians who depend on access to affordable, life-saving drugs,” said Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker.

Drug prices in the United States have risen an average of 31.6% over the past year, roughly four times the rate of inflation. Governor Youngkin’s own Council on Aging included the prescription affordability board in its list of 2023 legislative priorities. Polling indicates that 82% of Virginians support a drug affordability review board.

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