In talking about health care reform, folks have justifiably complained that there hasn’t been enough emphasis on controlling the cost of care. Well, pharmaceuticals are a big culprit in that, and even Merck, who’s having a tough time of it lately, is still cruising with a sweeeet 21% profit margin. Are they just entitled to that? Is it law that says that they get to reach into taxpayer pockets and grab all the cash they can? Oh wait — it is.
The Boston Phoenix last week helpfully pointed to some prescription drug legislation coming down the pike. One would allow the state to use its own bulk-purchasing power to negotiate for lower drug costs; the other would provide citizens of the Commonwealth with information on getting cheaper drugs from Canada.
I got an email from Bettina Fest, Sen. Jehlen’s legislative director, which contained the following documents:
*Fact sheet on the drug reimportation bill
*1st fact sheet on the drug bulk purchasing/fair pricing law
*Second fact sheet on fair-pricing law
Thanks to Bettina and Sen. Jehlen for the info, and thanks to Sens. Barrios, Jehlen and Montigny and Reps. Blumer and Cabral for pushing these forward.
And we should not be surprised if our Perpetual Candidate is still high on drugs; ironically, the Drug Fair Pricing Act would prohibit companies from giving doctors “all gifts, including travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment.” Uh… can we extend that to our Governor?
