MD Board Targets High Costs of Diabetes Drugs Jardiance, Farxiga
Let’s start with the news that inspired today’s episode. According to Maryland Matters, on July 29, 2025, Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board made a historic move. After months of crunching numbers, gathering testimony, and digging into data, they unanimously agreed that two type-2 diabetes drugs—Jardiance and Farxiga—pose an affordability challenge for Marylanders and the state’s health system. These drugs, critical for managing diabetes and sometimes heart or kidney issues, have seen their wholesale prices rise faster than inflation, leaving patients with high out-of-pocket costs.
This decision is a first for the board, created in 2019 but delayed by funding hiccups until Governor Wes Moore stepped in with support in 2023. The board’s now cleared to explore options like setting upper payment limits—essentially caps on what the state pays for these drugs. Health advocate Vincent DeMarco called it a “really big deal,” but the road to actual savings isn’t quick. Some in the pharmaceutical industry argue these caps could limit access to life-saving drugs, while supporters say they’ll free up funds for other health programs. Notably, Maryland’s eyeing a future where these cost-saving measures could apply to all residents, not just those on state plans. This story’s a beacon of hope but also a reminder of the complex dance between cost, access, and health. Let’s dive deeper.
