The state legislature held two work sessions on LD 1829, An Act to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs by Requiring Reference-based Pricing. The measure attempts to prohibit the dispensing, delivery or administration of a prescription drug at a cost that exceeds the maximum fair price during the price applicability period. The bill also attempts to prohibit insurers from purchasing or seeking reimbursement for referenced drugs at a cost higher than the maximum fair price. Lastly, LD 1829 attempts to prohibit retail pharmacies from purchasing or seeking reimbursement for referenced drugs dispensed to a consumer whose health care is provided by an insurer at a cost exceeding the maximum fair price. The bill is still pending before the Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services. NACDS joined other industry groups in a letter of concern with opposition to several aspects of the bill.
Also in Maine, on February 1, the Board of Pharmacy held its regularly scheduled meeting.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.