STAT+: Maryland governor signs law to expand powers of the state\u2019s prescription drug affordability board
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In a notable development, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a bill that will allow a state board to extend its mandate for lowering prescription drug costs to all residents, not just those employed by government agencies.<\/p>\n
The move was hailed by consumer advocates who hope the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which is designed to function much like a state utility commission, will usher in era of lower medicine prices for everyone who lives in Maryland. But the new law was criticized by the pharmaceutical industry for pursuing an \u201cunproven\u201d strategy toward lowering expenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this legislation, Maryland takes a critical step in our campaign to make drugs more affordable for Marylanders,\u201d said Vincent DeMarco, who heads the Maryland Health Care for All Coalition. \u201c\u2026 Too many people struggle to pay for the medications they need to lead healthy lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Continue to STAT+ to read the full story\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n