Governor’s changes to legislation by Fairfax and Charlottesville lawmakers would alter enforcement powers of proposed affordability board.
By David Holloway | The Commonwealth Wire
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has proposed amendments to legislation creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board that supporters say would effectively eliminate the board’s authority to regulate drug prices in Virginia.
The bills, sponsored by Del. Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, would establish a five-member board with authority to review prescription drug costs and set upper payment limits for state and local government health plans.
Spanberger’s proposed amendments would significantly modify the board’s enforcement mechanisms, according to legislative observers. The governor never publicly committed to signing the original legislation during this year’s General Assembly session.
Delaney and Deeds worked with the governor’s office throughout the legislative process to address concerns about the proposal, which passed both chambers of the legislature earlier this year. The lawmakers sought to craft language that would gain Spanberger’s approval while maintaining the board’s core mission.
The original legislation would give the board power to investigate prescription drug costs that substantially exceed therapeutic value or create affordability challenges for Virginia patients. The board could set upper payment limits for drugs purchased through state employee health plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.
Similar prescription drug affordability boards operate in other states, including Maryland, Colorado, and Washington. Supporters argue Virginia needs such oversight as prescription drug costs continue rising faster than inflation.
Pharmaceutical industry groups have opposed the legislation, arguing that price controls could reduce incentives for drug development and potentially limit patient access to medications.
The governor’s amendments come as Virginia faces mounting healthcare costs across state programs. The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services reported prescription drug spending of more than $2 billion annually through Medicaid alone.
Delaney, who represents parts of Fairfax County, has championed prescription drug affordability measures for several legislative sessions. Deeds, whose Charlottesville-area district includes the University of Virginia, has long advocated for healthcare cost transparency.
The amended bills now return to the General Assembly, where lawmakers can accept the governor’s changes, reject them, or propose alternative language. If rejected, the bills would die unless the legislature overrides Spanberger’s amendments with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
The prescription drug board would join other state entities overseeing healthcare costs, including the Virginia Health Information organization, which collects data on medical pricing and utilization across the commonwealth.
Legislative leaders have not announced when they will consider the governor’s proposed amendments, though such votes typically occur during special sessions or when the General Assembly reconvenes.
Key Facts
- Gov. Spanberger proposed amendments to prescription drug affordability board legislation that supporters say would eliminate enforcement powers
- Original bills by Del. Karrie Delaney (Fairfax) and Sen. Creigh Deeds (Charlottesville) would create five-member board to review drug costs
- Board would have authority to set upper payment limits for state and local government health plans
- Similar boards operate in Maryland, Colorado and Washington states
- Virginia spends more than $2 billion annually on prescription drugs through Medicaid alone
