House Dems to create board that could cap the cost of certain prescription drugs, GOP says it won’t work

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill that Democrats say will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs. 

The bill would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board that would have the power to cap the price of certain drugs if the board determines companies are charging too much. 

“I have met with people who had to make very difficult decisions about rationing their medications, filling their prescriptions, or paying their rent or electricity bills that month and that is not a decision any Virginian should have to make,” said Delegate Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax). 

However, Republicans say the proposal won’t work. 

“It’s just not going to have an effect,” said Delegate Paul Milde (R-Stafford). “As I have heard recently, it’s like rearranging the chairs on the Titanic."

The board would be responsible for reviewing the cost of certain prescription drugs. If it determines that companies are charging more than necessary, the board can set an upper price limit. 

“I think it is really important for the public to look at the budgets of some of these pharmaceutical companies and their advertising budgets are often higher than their research and development budgets,” Delaney said.

However, Republicans like Delegate Otto Waschmann (R-Sussex), who works as a pharmacist outside of session, say the board won’t bring down the costs of prescription drugs due to other aspects of the drug supply chain. 

“The problem is not at the manufacturer, but it’s our payment system. It is not a free enterprise system,” Wachsmann said.

If the bill passes the Senate, it will head to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk for his consideration. Last year, he vetoed similar measures.