At least 15 states have passed laws establishing or expanding prescription drug affordability boards since 2017, with a growing number authorizing upper payment limits for high-cost medications, according to a July 23 policy tracker from the National Academy for Health and Science Policy.
Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota and Oregon have enacted some of the most expansive measures since 2023. A Colorado law raises the number of drugs eligible for affordability reviews and pricing caps from 12 to 18 annually. It also directs the state’s board to consider biosimilars that launch at prices not at least 15% below their reference biologics.
Maryland passed legislation in 2025 granting its board authority to set upper payment limits for nearly all prescription drug purchases in the state — beyond public programs — with exceptions for Medicare Part D, 340B purchases and federal entities. The law also establishes an appeals process for contested price caps.
Oregon’s 2023 measure requires the state’s affordability board to develop a framework for enforcing upper payment limits and expands its membership. Minnesota’s 2023 omnibus bill created a new board and review criteria for drugs with price increases above $3,000 annually or launch prices higher than $60,000.
Washington, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont also passed laws to create or expand boards focused on curbing drug prices through price reviews, caps and transparency measures.
The full report, “State Laws Passed to Lower Prescription Drug Costs: 2017–2025,” can be accessed here.
