Maryland Pushes Ahead on Effort to Lower Prescription Drug Costs

​Efforts to reduce the cost of prescription medications in Maryland are moving forward, as state officials work to make drugs more affordable for residents across the state.

The Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board is continuing its review of high-cost medications, with the goal of lowering what patients and government programs pay. The initiative is drawing attention from healthcare advocates and pharmacists throughout the region.

Recent polling shows about 70 percent of Maryland residents are concerned about the cost of prescription drugs, while roughly 30 percent say they have skipped doses, rationed medication, or gone without prescriptions due to high prices.

Supporters say the state’s approach could bring needed relief. The board has the authority to set “upper payment limits” on certain medications, and has already established its first limit on Jardiance, a drug commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes and heart conditions.

Advocates say those limits could help reduce costs for both patients and public programs.

However, some pharmacists — including those on the Eastern Shore — say the policy could create challenges for smaller, independent pharmacies. They warn that if reimbursement rates are set too low, pharmacies may have difficulty purchasing medications at prices that align with the state’s limits, potentially impacting availability for patients.

State officials say they will continue reviewing additional high-cost drugs in the coming months as Maryland expands the program. As the effort moves forward, leaders say the focus will remain on balancing affordability with ensuring access to medications for residents across the state.