#United States #Washington #Rare Access Action #Virginia Governor #Prescription Drug Advisory

RAAP Thanks Governor Spanberger for Vetoing PDAB Legislation

The Rare Access Action Project (RAAP) has expressed gratitude towards Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for her recent veto of the proposed legislation to establish a Prescription Drug Advisory Board (PDAB). The proposed board had caused significant concern among patients suffering from rare diseases and their advocates due to the potential impact on their access to vital treatments.

The efforts of RAAP, in collaboration with patient advocates, played a crucial role in swaying the Governor's decision. The organization raised numerous red flags about the bill, specifically highlighting provisions that would allow for Upper Payment Limits (UPLs), which would be linked to Medicare's Maximum Fair Price (MFP) framework as stipulated under the Inflation Reduction Act. Advocates cautioned that such policies, if enacted, could inadvertently limit the availability of therapies for those with rare and complex medical conditions, a group that often has few treatment options available.

Michael Eging, the Executive Director of RAAP, stated, "Thank you, Governor Spanberger! Your veto illustrates a strong commitment to safeguarding patient access to essential therapies." He further emphasized the challenges faced by patients with rare diseases, who often lack alternative treatment choices. The Governor's decision underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation of any policies that could impose government-mandated payment limits, ensuring they do not obstruct access to your critical healthcare and potentially life-saving treatments.

Eging pointed out, “While addressing healthcare affordability is vital, measures taken should not compromise patient access.” He noted that based on the outcomes in other states, UPL strategies connected to MFP are not conducive solutions for ensuring patient access and care affordability. The Governor's willingness to listen to the concerns of patients, caregivers, and advocates who conveyed their personal experiences played a significant role in shaping her decision.

RAAP also took the opportunity to thank the wider community of patients and healthcare professionals who engaged with policymakers throughout the legislative process, emphasizing the importance of their contribution in this pivotal moment.

Eging concluded by stating, “I am immensely thankful to the patients, caregivers, and advocates who bravely shared their narratives with lawmakers. Their input was critical in ensuring that decision-makers, including Governor Spanberger, understood the real implications PDAB policies might have for patients and their families.” This victory is a testament to the hard work of many, and it serves to highlight Virginia's recent strides forward in addressing the costs of medications for patients. RAAP looks forward to collaborating with the Governor and the General Assembly to further these advancements in patient care and access.

For more details regarding RAAP and its initiatives, you can reach out via email at [email protected] . The Rare Access Action Project works as a coalition among stakeholders in the realms of patient rights and life sciences, aiming to devise innovative policy solutions to counteract structural challenges faced in access to necessary treatments, with a primary focus on rare diseases.