Relative to investigating potential redundancies between the prescription drug affordability board and existing state agency programs regarding prescription drug cost data.
If enacted, HB 172 will pause certain operations of the PDAB for fiscal year 2024, including its authority to set prescription drug spending targets. The bill seeks a thorough examination of the board’s purpose, funding, and governance, given its lack of discernible progress in reducing prescription drug costs since its inception. This review aims to clarify the need for a standalone board versus leveraging existing frameworks already in place across various state agencies.
House Bill 172 addresses potential redundancies between the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and existing state agency programs that focus on prescription drug cost data. The bill initiates a review by the Department of Administrative Services, the Insurance Department, and the Department of Health and Human Services to assess overlapping functions and evaluate whether the PDAB's operations duplicate efforts of other successful programs. It highlights concerns regarding unnecessary spending and the effectiveness of the PDAB, which was established without extensive legislative review or public input during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be cautious yet critical, focusing on the implications of duplicative efforts in state governance. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to streamline government operations to reduce waste, while opponents may view the approach as a risk to any potential progress in addressing prescription drug costs, citing concerns over potential delays in addressing high pharmaceutical expenses affecting residents.
Notable points of contention include discussions around the PDAB’s operational necessity, as it operates under laws similar to those in Maine, which have not effectively curbed rising drug costs. The tension between maintaining a dedicated board and utilizing existing departments to manage prescription drug pricing reflects broader debates on government efficiency versus dedicated oversight in healthcare. The findings and recommendations from this review, to be submitted by November 1, 2023, will significantly influence future legislative actions and structural decisions regarding drug affordability governance in New Hampshire.