News: Maryland Matters 1-15-2026

“The real concern that we hear all the time is, ‘What are patients paying? What is their out-of-pocket expense?' Hershey said.”

- Senator Steve Hershey, quoted in Maryland Matters

Lawmakers appreciate progress on effort to lower drug costs, but want to see more

Annapolis, Md.:

Republican members of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee are continuing to express concern about whether the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) will meaningfully lower out-of-pocket costs for Maryland patients.

While lawmakers on both sides of the aisle acknowledge the intent behind the board’s work to address high prescription drug prices, Republicans remain skeptical that the board’s actions will translate into real savings for everyday consumers.

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey underscored this point during committee discussions, noting that the core issue for many Marylanders isn’t just price setting but the actual cost paid at the pharmacy counter.

“The real concern that we hear all the time is, ‘What are patients paying? What is their out-of-pocket expense?' Hershey said.”

Senator Hershey and his Republican colleagues want measures that directly reduce what patients pay when they pick up their medications, rather than efforts that may limit what state plans or insurers reimburse without reducing cost sharing for individuals at the point of sale.

As the legislative session unfolds, the debate over prescription drug affordability and the Board’s role in addressing it is likely to continue, with Republicans pushing for approaches they say will produce tangible financial relief for Maryland families. Read the full article in Maryland Matters:

Lawmakers appreciate progress on effort to lower drug costs, but want to see more.