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Colorado Legislators: Put Consumers Before Big Pharma

Coloradans can't afford big Rx costs

AARP

Published March 24, 2026

a person on a computer with a white pill bottle

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In 2021, Coloradan consumers – and legislators – stood up and told pharmaceutical companies the high cost of prescription drugs is too tough a pill to swallow.

AARP Colorado, like-minded coalition partners, and grassroots activists pushed for the creation of the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board (PDAB), a first-of-its-kind state initiative to review whether various drugs are unaffordable. It can even set upper payment limits and directly alleviate financial strain.

Five years later, the industry continues pushing to limit the PDAB’s scope and effectiveness through legislation.

“Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board is the state’s best tool to lower the cost of prescription meds,” Karen Moldovan, AARP Colorado advocacy director, said. “Prescription drugs only work if you can afford them, and this bill would narrow which medications can be reviewed for affordability.”

SB26-140 would undermine the PDAB’s effectiveness by limiting which drugs can be reviewed for affordability. It would exempt drugs with “orphan status,” a government designation for medications that address rare health conditions, from price review.

The problem with that is that people with rare health conditions also need affordable medications. Additionally, many drugs that receive orphan status also treat common diseases and health conditions. This means that expensive drugs that a lot of patients and consumers rely on every day couldn’t be reviewed because those drugs also address rare health problems.

“This loophole is a blatant attempt to stymy the work of the board and do an end run around Coloradans who are fed up with skyrocketing prices,” Moldovan said. “Older Coloradans are at particular risk with this legislation as they grapple with the high cost of living and surviving on limited or fixed incomes.”

AARP Colorado expects a battle against Big Pharma during this legislative session over SB26-140, and consumer voices are needed to win the fight.

Take a moment and send your state senator an email and tell them: Put Colorado’s consumers first.