Author Of New Drug Transparency Law Hopes Rest Of Country Will Follow In California’s Footsteps
State Sen. Ed Hernandez talks with Stat about how he hopes the new legislation will move the conversations over curbing drug pricing in the right direction.
Stat:
Q&A: Can California's New Drug Price Transparency Law Make A Difference?
On Monday, California adopted a law that requires drug makers to explain and justify price hikes, making it only the third state in the country to demand some transparency in response to rising medicine prices. Although the law does not actually allow the state to control pricing, the pharmaceutical industry fought the effort over concerns other states will now pursue similar legislation, since California is often seen as a bellwether. We spoke with state Sen. Ed Hernandez, the Democratic legislator who shepherded the bill — and who believes it can force a change in the national conversation about drug pricing. (Silverman, 10/10)
The Hill:
Battle Over Drug Prices Shifts Back To The States
President Trump has derided pharmaceutical companies as “getting away with murder,” but there’s been little action in Washington to rein in the costs of prescription drugs. Some states are taking matters into their own hands. California passed a new law that requires pharmaceutical companies to explain a drug’s price tag, and other states are considering similar measures. (Roubein, 10/11)
Ventura County Star:
Californians To Get More Info On Drug Prices
Gov. Jerry Brown approved a measure to increase disclosure on prescription drug prices, the focal point of growing efforts to clamp down on climbing pharmaceutical costs. Supporters call the law the nation’s most sweeping effort to make prescription drug pricing more transparent. The measure would require drugmakers to provide notice to health plans and other purchasers 60 days in advance of a planned price hike if the increase exceeds certain thresholds. (10/10)