Assembly Health Committee OKs Drug Pricing Transparency Legislation
The measure would require drugmakers to alert the state when introducing high-cost drugs and to provide notice and justification before increasing the price of a drug.
Capital Public Radio:
Drug Transparency Bill Passes Assembly Health Committee
A key committee in the California Legislature has passed a prescription drug transparency bill after an hour-long debate Tuesday. The bill would require drug manufacturers give advance notice to purchasers when prices increase by more than 10 percent or when a new drug costs more than $10,000. Sen. Ed Hernandez, D- West Covina, introduced the bill. He says lawmakers should work to ensure affordability since individuals are required to purchase health insurance. (Johnson, 6/29)
California Healthline:
California Drug Price Transparency Bill Clears Key Committee
A measure that would compel pharmaceutical companies to disclose and justify drug price increases overcame a show of skepticism by Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon, passing the Assembly Health Committee 12-4 on a party-line vote. The bill — softened from earlier versions — would require drug manufacturers to notify state agencies and health insurers within days of federal approval for a new drug that cost $10,000 or more per year or for one course of treatment. (Bartolone, 6/29)