Another attempt to push through a measure that would require prescription drug discounts to be shared with Georgia consumers failed Wednesday, despite an in-person boost from Congressman Buddy Carter who argued in favor of the bill.
The government will negotiate new prices for the commonly prescribed drugs, but the cuts won't take effect until 2026. In the meantime, drugmakers are fighting the negotiations with lawsuits.
After sailing through the Georgia House of Representatives, a bill aimed at reducing some prescription drug costs for consumers was blocked by a close vote in a Senate committee.
Even the savviest Medicare drug plan shoppers can get a shock when they fill prescriptions: That great deal on medications in fall is no bargain after prices go up as much as 8% by winter.
New legislation that aims to lower the cost of some brand name prescription drugs for insured patients would increase transparency in medication pricing for Georgians.
The pharmacy says it will bypass health care industry "middlemen" and help consumers avoid high drug prices by charging manufacturers' prices plus a flat 15% markup and pharmacist fee.
Patient advocates and representatives from groups called pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) contracted with health insurers to negotiate lower drug prices are awaiting data from new prescription-cost reporting required in legislation state lawmakers passed last year.
The move comes just days before a U.S. rule was set to go into effect allowing for bulk importation of drugs from Canada. Trump promised it would lower costs and be a "game changer" for seniors.
