Prescription Drug Affordability Board gets second shot as delegate reintroduces bill
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Delegate is taking a second shot at trying to create a state prescription drug affordability board in Virginia after Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) shot down the measure in 2024, citing "numerous unintended consequences." Del. Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax) has reintroduced her bill aimed at protecting Virginians from high prescription costs for the 2025 General Session. Her previous attempt in 2024 passed through both bodies of the General Assembly along slim margins before being vetoed by Youngkin. If House Bill 1724 is passed, it would create a five-member board consisting of healthcare and medical experts. The board would review the affordability of certain prescription drugs and determine whether or not the manufacturer is charging Virginians too much for them. The board would then be able to cap a medication's price if it believes it's too high. IN 2024: ‘This bill will, in short, save lives,' Advocates urge Youngkin to sign bills to create a prescription drug affordability board When he vetoed the previous version of this bill in 2024, Youngkin said the board would "hinder innovation" and may not actually create cost savings for Virginians. “Though noble in its intent, the proposal carries numerous unintended consequences,” Youngkin said in his veto statement. “While it is imperative to lower drug prices, it must not compromise patient welfare.” This bill is one of Virginia Democrats' 2025 General Session priorities. As of the time of reporting, HB 1724 is awaiting the review of the House's Committee on Labor and Commerce.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Delegate is taking a second shot at trying to create a state prescription drug affordability board in Virginia after Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) shot down the measure in 2024, citing "numerous unintended consequences."
Del. Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax) has reintroduced her bill aimed at protecting Virginians from high prescription costs for the 2025 General Session.
Her previous attempt in 2024 passed through both bodies of the General Assembly along slim margins before being vetoed by Youngkin.
If House Bill 1724 is passed, it would create a five-member board consisting of healthcare and medical experts. The board would review the affordability of certain prescription drugs and determine whether or not the manufacturer is charging Virginians too much for them. The board would then be able to cap a medication's price if it believes it's too high.
When he vetoed the previous version of this bill in 2024, Youngkin said the board would "hinder innovation" and may not actually create cost savings for Virginians.
“Though noble in its intent, the proposal carries numerous unintended consequences,” Youngkin said in his veto statement. “While it is imperative to lower drug prices, it must not compromise patient welfare.”
This bill is one of Virginia Democrats' 2025 General Session priorities.
As of the time of reporting, HB 1724 is awaiting the review of the House's Committee on Labor and Commerce.
