High Cost Drug Prices Reined In By The States
The high cost drug prices continue to be a problem for U.S. consumers. But now, several States have heard the complaint of its’ citizens and are taking measures to lower drug costs.
High Cost Drug: Relief In 21 States
So far in 2019, new laws, provisions in state budgets and executive orders by governors have been signed in 21 states.
One of the measures taken is authorizing the importation of lower-cost medicines from Canada and other countries.
Seven states banned so-called pharmacy gag clauses that prevented pharmacists from telling customers that the list price of a medication may be cheaper than their insurance copay.
And other states either created or strengthened drug price transparency rules.
High Cost Drug: Price Transparency In Massachusetts
The new Massachusetts state budget will require pharmaceutical companies to explain how prices are set for high-priced brand-name drugs to Medicaid patients.
The budget also permits negotiating prices with drug makers.
Lawmakers believe this will lead to lower prescription drug prices.
Illinois Sets Up Information Database
The Illinois Legislature passed a law that makes it easier for doctors to receive neutral information about the drugs they prescribe. The measure will give doctors who participate in the Medicaid program more objective information on medications. It over rides the more slanted information that drug manufacturers supply.
All of these measures are designed to bring down the cost of high cost drugs. The high cost affects all age groups, but in particular senior citizens. Seniors, for the most part, live on fixed incomes, and most of them take several different drugs every day. The high cost puts them into a situation where they can’t afford to buy the drugs they need.
Even now, there are seniors who forgo some of the medications they need because they can’t afford it. In other cases, some seniors are cutting back on the number of times they need to take their medicine, so that it lasts longer.
A situation like this is not likely to end well.