Bill > SB357

This bill modifies the Prescription Drug Affordability Board's authority and the composition of its Stakeholder Council in Maryland. The bill expands the Stakeholder Council from 26 to multiple members appointed by the Speaker of the House, Senate President, and Governor, representing diverse stakeholders like healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, pharmaceutical companies, insurance carriers, and public members. The council's purpose is to provide input to the Board on prescription drug affordability decisions. The bill allows the Board to reconsider upper payment limits for drugs in current shortage and provides a more comprehensive framework for setting and evaluating these limits. The Board is now required to assess the impact of upper payment limits on various stakeholders, including patients, pharmacies, providers, and the biotechnology industry, and report detailed findings annually. The legislation also creates a pathway for the Board to potentially expand upper payment limits to more prescription drug purchases and reimbursements in the future, subject to certain conditions and exclusions. The bill is contingent on the Board setting upper payment limits on two prescription drugs and having those limits in effect for one year, with a potential implementation date of October 1, 2025, depending on meeting specific conditions.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0357?ys=2025RS