Legislature can make prescriptions affordable

Iwas disheartened and angered to learn that nearly half of New Mexicans have skipped taking medication or not filled a prescription because of cost concerns, according to a recent statewide survey. That is unacceptable. Medications don’t work if people can’t afford them.

That’s why I am introducing legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Until now, big drug companies have been the only businesses in the health care industry whose rates are not regulated. The Legislature can and must act to hold them accountable.

The survey, conducted by

GBAO Strategies, found that 44 percent of New Mexicans skipped medication and 9 in 10 are either very or somewhat concerned about the cost of prescription drugs. Those concerns are justified.

A study released recently by the nonpartisan policy research group, West Health Policy Center, found “more than 1.1 million Medicare patients could die over the next decade because they cannot afford to pay for their prescription medications.”

It is time for the state Legislature to step up and ensure all New Mexicans have access to affordable medications. A

Prescription Drug Affordability Board would serve as an independent body with the authority to evaluate high cost drugs and set reasonable rates for consumers.

The state regulates the cost of health insurance, electricity and other critical utilities and it ought to look out for consumers of prescription medications as well.

Maryland and Maine established such boards in 2019, and in 2020, 13 states introduced legislation.

The intent is to set the maximum amount purchasers and health insurers pay for the costliest drugs, which reduces costs and increases access for consumers and payors. An affordability board can review information from public sources and establish an upper payment limit that allows an affordable way for everyone in the state who should get the drug access to it.

New Mexico can fight back and protect our most vulnerable. This session we should create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board and make drugs more affordable for New Mexicans.