Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Meeting: Strategies for Engaging the Elderly Care Community to Advocate and Improve Access

Maryland Residents Urged to Weigh in on Drug Pricing Decisions That Could Impact Rare Disease Access

ANNAPOLIS, MD – December 3, 2025 – Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is set to hold a crucial online meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, to discuss potential policies impacting prescription drug prices across the state. While the current agenda doesn’t specifically address Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) treatments, experts warn that decisions made could have far-reaching consequences for individuals with rare diseases and their access to life-altering therapies.

The PDAB is exploring methods to establish limits on prescription drug costs, aiming to improve affordability for all Marylanders. However, stakeholders in the rare disease community are voicing concerns that these price controls could inadvertently jeopardize access to specialized and often costly treatments.

“Rare disease therapies are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of price caps,” explains a spokesperson for patient advocacy groups. “The complex manufacturing processes and smaller patient populations mean these medications often operate on very tight margins. reducing profitability could discourage companies from continuing to supply these vital treatments.”

Potential Impacts on the EB Community & Beyond:

The PDAB’s deliberations could lead to several unintended consequences, including:

* Reduced Access: price limitations may make specialized or newly developed therapies less financially viable for pharmaceutical companies, potentially leading to their withdrawal from the market.
* Insurance Restrictions: Insurers might impose stricter coverage limitations,creating hurdles for patients seeking necessary treatments.
* Fewer treatment Options: price caps could stifle innovation and limit the range of choices available to doctors and families managing complex conditions like EB.

How Maryland Residents Can make Their Voices Heard – Deadline Today!

Individuals affected by EB, caregivers, medical professionals, and concerned citizens have two opportunities to contribute to the discussion:

1. Speak at the Zoom Meeting:

* Time Allotment: 1 minute 30 seconds per speaker.
* Requirements: Comments must be relevant to a specific agenda item.
* Registration: Email [email protected] with your name, address, and the agenda item you wish to address.
* Important Deadline: Today, December 3, 2025, by the end of the business day.

2.Submit Written Comments:

* Email Address: [email protected]

* Subject Line: “December 2025 Board Comments”
* Content: Share your thoughts on how proposed pricing policies might affect access, choice, and affordability of rare disease treatments.
* Deadline: Today, December 3, 2025.

This meeting represents a critical opportunity for the EB community and advocates for all rare diseases to ensure Maryland policymakers understand the unique challenges and needs of those relying on specialized therapies. Don’t miss the chance to contribute before the deadline.

Register for the Zoom Meeting

What specific challenges do seniors in Maryland face when attempting to utilize pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs?

Understanding the prescription Drug Affordability Crisis in Maryland

The rising cost of prescription drugs is a significant concern for seniors and their families in Maryland. Many elderly individuals on fixed incomes struggle to afford the medications thay need,leading to arduous choices between healthcare and other essential expenses. This impacts health outcomes and quality of life. Recent discussions at the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Meeting highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable solutions. Key areas of focus include generic drug utilization, price transparency, and advocating for policies that lower drug costs. Understanding the landscape of prescription drug costs, senior healthcare access, and Maryland drug pricing is the first step towards effective advocacy.

Identifying Key Stakeholders in the Elderly Care Community

Prosperous advocacy requires a collaborative approach. Identifying and engaging key stakeholders is crucial. Consider these groups:

* Senior Centers: These hubs provide access to a large network of seniors and can facilitate information dissemination and organize advocacy efforts.

* Assisted Living Facilities & nursing Homes: Staff and residents within these facilities are directly impacted by drug costs and can share valuable insights.

* Family Caregivers: Often the primary advocates for their loved ones, caregivers are vital partners in this effort.

* Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): aaas offer resources and support services for seniors and can help connect advocates with relevant organizations.

* Patient Advocacy Groups: Organizations dedicated to specific health conditions can provide expertise and amplify the voice of patients.

* pharmacists: Local pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals who can offer insights into drug pricing and access challenges.

Strategies for Effective Community engagement

engaging the elderly care community requires tailored strategies that address their unique needs and preferences.

* Educational Workshops: Host workshops on topics like Medicare Part D, prescription assistance programs, and generic drug alternatives. Simplify complex information and provide clear,actionable steps.

* Town Hall meetings: Create a forum for seniors and caregivers to share their experiences and concerns with policymakers and healthcare professionals.

* Peer-to-Peer Support Groups: Facilitate groups where individuals can connect, share information, and support each other in navigating the challenges of drug affordability.

* Digital Literacy Training: Equip seniors with the skills to access online resources, research drug prices, and participate in virtual advocacy events.

* Transportation Assistance: Ensure access to meetings and events by providing transportation options for those with mobility limitations.

* Large-Print Materials: offer information in accessible formats, including large-print materials for those with visual impairments.

Advocating for Policy Changes: A Step-by-step Guide

Turning community engagement into meaningful policy change requires a strategic advocacy plan.

1. Research Current Legislation: Stay informed about bills related to drug price negotiation, importation of prescription drugs, and prescription drug affordability in Maryland.
2. Contact Elected Officials: Write letters, make phone calls, and schedule meetings with state legislators to express your concerns and advocate for specific policies. Utilize resources like the Maryland General Assembly website to find contact information.
3. Testify at Public Hearings: Share personal stories and data-driven evidence at public hearings to demonstrate the impact of high drug costs on the elderly care community.
4. Organize Letter-Writing Campaigns: Mobilize community members to send letters to elected officials, demonstrating widespread support for policy changes.
5. Partner with Advocacy Organizations: Collaborate with established advocacy groups to amplify your voice and leverage their expertise.
6. Utilize Social Media: Raise awareness about the issue and engage policymakers thru social media platforms. Use relevant hashtags like #MarylandRx, #DrugAffordability, and #SeniorHealthcare.

Leveraging Prescription Assistance Programs & Resources

Many programs exist to help seniors afford their medications.

* Maryland Prescription Assistance Program (MPAP): Offers financial assistance to eligible Maryland residents with limited income.

* Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): Helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare prescription drug costs.

* Pharmaceutical Company Patient Assistance Programs: Many drug manufacturers offer programs that provide free or discounted medications to eligible patients.

* GoodRx & SingleCare: Online platforms that offer coupons and discounts on prescription drugs.

* NeedyMeds: A website that provides information on patient assistance programs and other resources.

* benefitscheckup: A service of the National Council on Aging that helps seniors find benefits programs they may be eligible for