Maryland Takes Action to Address High Prescription Drug Costs

As healthcare costs continue to climb, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to manage the financial burden of essential medications. The state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has recently moved to address the affordability of several high-cost drugs, signaling a significant shift in how the state manages pharmaceutical expenditures for government-funded healthcare programs.

Understanding the PDAB’s Recent Decisions

In November 2025, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board determined that the medications Trulicity and Ozempic are likely unaffordable for Marylanders. This designation places these drugs on a list that may subject them to upper payment limits, a mechanism designed to cap the amount that state and local governments pay for specific prescription medications.

the board has taken steps toward finalizing payment caps for two other widely used medications: Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Farxiga (dapagliflozin). Both of these drugs are commonly prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes and other health conditions. While the implementation of these caps is a multi-step process that may take months to finalize, the board has directed staff to draft the necessary language to set these limits.

Key Takeaways

• Targeted Medications: The PDAB is currently focusing on Jardiance, Farxiga, Trulicity, and Ozempic due to concerns regarding their affordability.
• Scope of Impact: The proposed upper payment limits are intended to apply to costs incurred by state and local government health plans.
• Ongoing Process: Establishing these price caps is a complex regulatory procedure that requires future board approval before taking effect.

Why Medication Affordability Matters

For patients, the cost of prescription drugs is a critical component of overall healthcare access. Medications like Ozempic, Trulicity, Farxiga, and Jardiance play vital roles in managing chronic diseases. When these drugs become prohibitively expensive, it can lead to gaps in care, medication non-adherence, and increased financial strain on both patients and the public systems that provide their coverage.

By moving to set upper payment limits, Maryland aims to ensure that state and local governments can continue to provide necessary coverage without being subject to unsustainable price increases. Supporters of these measures, such as the Maryland Health Care for All Coalition, have highlighted these efforts as a necessary step toward improving the long-term affordability of high-cost treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Prescription Drug Affordability Board?

The PDAB is a state body in Maryland tasked with reviewing the cost of prescription drugs and determining whether they are affordable for the state and its residents. Its mission includes identifying strategies, such as payment caps, to mitigate the impact of high-priced medications.

Do these caps apply to my personal pharmacy costs?

The current actions taken by the PDAB are focused on setting upper payment limits for what state and local governments pay for these medications. These policies are designed to manage public spending on healthcare programs.

What happens next?

The board must continue its regulatory process, which includes drafting specific language for the payment limits and holding future meetings to officially approve them. Because this process is rigorous, it is expected to take several months before any caps are finalized, and implemented.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your treatment options and medication coverage.