On July 22, 2024, the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) met to discuss the upcoming timeline for the next phase of its drug cost review process. The upcoming timeline includes:
Drug Selection and Comment Period:
- The drugs selected for cost review were posted on the Board’s website in May.
- Written comments on the selected drugs are due by July 22.
Request for Information (RFI):
- On July 25, 2024, the PDAB posted an RFI on its website for manufacturers, health insurance carriers, HMOs, MCOs, PBMs, and wholesale distributors.
- These entities have until August 24, 2024 (30 days) to submit the requested information or any other relevant data, but may request a one-time 30-day extension.
Data Analysis and Preliminary Determination:
- After receiving the information, the PDAB staff will compile a draft dossier of data and analyses for the cost review study.
- The Board will then make a preliminary determination on whether the prescription drug has led or will lead to affordability challenges to the state healthcare system and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Final Determination and Policy Actions:
- If the preliminary determination is that the drug does not lead to affordability challenges, the Board may adopt this as the final determination, with no further action taken.
- If the final determination is that the drug leads to affordability challenges, the Board may vote to pursue and/or recommend policy solutions, which may include: (1) Establishing an upper payment limit (UPL); or (2) Recommending other policy actions, such as seeking additional legislative authority or providing policy recommendations to the legislature and other stakeholders.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held on August 26, 2024, however, the Board is interested in establishing a more concrete and efficient timeline and may reschedule upcoming meetings to better align with the RFI schedule.
Learn more about the cost review timeline.
Last Updated on October 14, 2024 by Aimed Alliance
