MEDIA RELEASE
Thurs., April 2, 2026
Drug pricing experts, people with rare diseases, health care providers, and consumer groups testified in opposition to the bill
DENVER – Today, a bill that severely limits the work of Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to lower prescription drug prices for Coloradans passed out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on a vote of 5 to 2.
If made into law, Senate Bill 140 would exclude over 67% of high-cost, commonly prescribed drugs from the PDAB’s review and prevent it from setting reasonable limits on drugs that are unaffordable for Coloradans.
The PDAB was created in 2021 with broad support: 71% of Coloradans wanted the state to look into why the highest-cost prescription drugs cost so much and, if those drugs are unaffordable for hardworking Coloradans, set a reasonable limit and save consumers money. In a March 2026 poll, 69% of Coloradans indicated that the PDAB should work to lower the cost of more prescription drugs, not less.
“We are in an affordability crisis. Housing costs too much, grocery prices are rising, and more people are getting priced out of or pushed off of their health coverage,” said Priya Telang, communications manager at Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. “Our PDAB brings more transparency into drug pricing, reviews only the highest-cost prescription drugs in the state, and brings down costs for Coloradans facing affordability issues. This bill doesn’t help patients access lifesaving medications; it protects highly profitable pharmaceutical companies from any sort of accountability. We hope the full Colorado Senate will vote down this bill and simply let the PDAB do its job to lower the cost of Coloradans’ prescription medications.”
“Every patient deserves affordable medication,” said Kim Johnson, Youth Advisory Board Member, Patient Advocate, and Health Care Provider. “That includes people with rare conditions. In fact, we are often the ones facing the highest costs, with the fewest alternatives. We don’t get to comparison shop. We don’t get to walk away. When the price is too high, we’re the ones who pay: financially, physically, and emotionally. Let me be clear, removing oversight doesn’t protect us- it puts us at risk and forces some incredibly tough decisions.”
“Older Coloradans are the highest utilizers of prescription drugs in the state, so many of our own members have expressed their frustration and concerns with rising health care costs,” said Debbie Horner, AARP’s State Volunteer President. “AARP Colorado is proud to stand with patients, doctors, and families in opposition to SB26-140 and as we continue to support the critical work of Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board as a way to rein in rising prescription drug costs and ensure that all patients, including rare disease patients like me, have access to the lifesaving drugs.”
“Physicians across the state do not want the Board’s work to be hindered by legislation that carves out some of the highest cost prescription drugs,” said Dr. Kyle Leggot, a family physician located in Lone Tree. “I’ve seen firsthand the negative impact high prices for medications have on patients. I have cared for patients who take Humira for their Rheumatoid Arthritis and for many, it has worked wonders. But for some, the cost of Humira can suddenly change, whether it be a price increase from the drug manufacturer or a change in insurance coverage.”
“Fighting a disease is hard enough, and the high cost of care makes it unspeakably harder,” said Rae Wall, a rare disease patient. “I supported and advocated for the passage of Colorado’s PDAB legislation in 2021 and support the process that was created by this legislature in 2024 to give patients with rare diseases more input before the PDAB chooses medications to review. I would like our legislature to let that process work. I’d hate to see all the progress we’ve made halted by this bad bill.”
“We are disappointed that SB26-140 passed out of committee in the Colorado Senate today because it is crucial that Colorado’s PDAB be able to continue to do its job to lower hardworking Coloradans prescription drug costs,” said Nikita Valdez, Organizing Manager at Centennial State Prosperity. “Medications don’t work if people can’t afford them and this legislation will keep medication costs high for the Coloradans who need relief from high drug costs the most.”
With SB26-140, pharmaceutical companies would no longer be scrutinized for their outrageous price setting for orphan drugs, many of which raise health care costs for all.
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