Posted by Michael Wonder on 16 Aug 2016
Judge denies petition by supporters of California drug pricing ballot
16 August 2016 - Supporters of a California ballot measure, which is designed to lower drug prices, lost a state court bid on Monday to alter the wording of a key analysis that may affect the outcome of the closely watched battle.
And the decision comes amid intensifying jockeying over a measure that is seen as a litmus test for public discontent over prescription drug costs.
At issue is a report by a California state office that assessed the California Drug Price Relief Act, which would require the state Medicaid program and other state programs to pay no more for medicines than the prices negotiated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently, the VA gets a 24% discount off average manufacturer prices. The vote is scheduled for 8 November.
