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House passes drug-affordability measure after heated floor debate over effectiveness
Summary
The House of Delegates passed legislation directing a drug cost review board to set upper payment limits for certain state-regulated health plans after a contentious debate over whether the approach will lower prices or shift costs to patients and insurers.
The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill establishing a prescription drug affordability process and directing a review by the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, after members spent more than an hour debating whether the measure would actually lower costs or simply shift expenses to consumers.
The bill, described on the floor as creating “upper payment limits” for state-regulated health plans, passed by a vote of 52 in favor and 44 opposed. Supporters said the measure is a necessary state-level step to address rising drug prices; opponents argued the design leaves major purchaser groups — including most Medicare beneficiaries — outside its reach and could lead to higher premiums or reduced pharmacy reimbursement.
Why it matters: Lawmakers who spoke to the bill…
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