The Public Can Help to Cap the Cost of Expensive Prescription Drugs in Oregon

The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is seeking help from the public to set ceiling prices on prescription drugs. The goal is to counteract the impact that the prohibitive cost of prescription drugs has on consumer affordability.

Established in 2021 under Senate Bill 844, the PDAB must devise strategies to make pharmaceuticals more affordable to Oregonians. The Board plans to hold several free public forums to gather feedback and then give its recommendations to the Oregon Legislature.

Capping Prices of Pharmaceuticals

Working under the directions of 2023 Senate Bill 192, the PDAB must suggest upper payment limits (UPL) on prescription drugs sold in the state. By capping the prices of pharmaceuticals, the aim of the PDAB is to protect consumers from exorbitant pharmaceutical prices, making it easier financially for them to access the medications they need.

A well-known consumer advocacy group figure, Lou Savage, has been appointed moderator of the free community forums. Savage, a former director of the Department of Consumer Business Services, will explain the dynamics of drug pricing and delve into reasons that drive prices higher.

The executive director of the PDAB, Ralph Magrish, says it is vital that the public become involved as stakeholders in the methodologies of the UPLs and the resources needed for setting price capping. He believes that by including the public, the Board will more effectively address the pressures of drug affordability in the state.

Public Invitation to Take Part

The free public forums will be during April and May, and the PDAB invites all interested Oregonians to register as participants. The PDAB invites participants to share personal anecdotes of how the high cost of prescription medications impacts their finances, health and general wellbeing.

Spanish-speaking Oregonians can attend the Woodburn forum that will be conducted in their home language. The PDAB has also scheduled two online forums for people unable to attend the forums in person.

Dates and Times of Public Forums

• Tuesday, April 2, 6-8 p.m., Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St.
• Tuesday, April 9, 6-8 p.m., Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway 101
• Monday, April 15, 5-7 p.m., Spanish-speaking forum, Woodburn Public Library Multipurpose Room, 280 Garfield St.
• Thursday, April 25, 6-8 p.m., Rogue Community College HEC, 101 S Bartlett St., Medford
• Tuesday, April 30, 6-8 p.m., Deschutes County Library, 62080 Dean Swift Road, Bend

Information about the online forums is:

• Wednesday, May 8, noon to 2 p.m., ZoomGov Meeting ID: 160 968 3098, Passcode: OregonPDAB
• Tuesday, May 14, 6-8 p.m., ZoomGov Meeting ID: 161 706 0370, Passcode: OregonPDAB

For further inquiries, call 971-374-3724, or visit  [email protected].