President Jackson, Democratic prescription drug bills scheduled for public hearing

Posted: April 05, 2019 | Senator Jackson

AUGUSTA—The Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee will hold public hearings on the Senate Democrats’ prescription drug reform package over the course of two days on Tuesday, April 16 and Wednesday, April 17. The proposal includes a suite of five drug reform bills – sponsored by President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, Sen. Heather Sanborn, D-Portland, and Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic – focused on affordability, accessibility and accountability.

 

“After rolling out our prescription drug reform proposal, we’ve heard heart-wrenching stories from people all across the state struggling to afford their medication. The story is always the same, whether it’s about a senior, a working parent or an individual with a chronic condition: Drug companies are raking in record profits while every day Mainers struggle to stay alive,” said President Jackson. “As lawmakers, this ambitious proposal is our opportunity to stand up and fight for our constituents. It’s our chance to bring real relief to the people of Maine.”

 

Please find the public hearing scheduled for the prescription drug proposal below.

 

Tuesday, April 16 at 1 p.m.

  • LD 1162, “An Act To Further Expand Drug Price Transparency” (Vitelli)
  • LD 1504, “An Act To Protect Consumers from Unfair Practices Related to Pharmacy Benefits Management” (Sanborn)

 

Wednesday, April 17 at 10 a.m.

  • LD 1272, “An Act To Increase Access to Low-cost Prescription Drugs” (Jackson)
  • LD 1387, “An Act To Increase Access to Safe and Affordable Prescription Drugs” (Jackson)
  • LD 1499, “An Act To Establish the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board” (Jackson)

 

President Jackson has two bills that would explore importing drugs from Canada, which are often 30 percent cheaper than in the U.S. One bill would create a wholesale state importation program, while the second bill would create an individual importation program. He also has legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

 

Sen. Sanborn’s bill comes as a recommendation from the Legislature’s Health Care Task Force, which convened during the 128th Legislative session. This bill would require transparency in drug pricing between manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers and consumers.

 

Sen. Vitelli’s bill would require disclosure of drug production, research and development costs, marketing and advertising costs and actual costs paid upon purchase.

 

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the public hearings and submit testimony. Anyone unable to attend can submit written testimony to the committee via email at HCIFS@legislature.maine.gov.

 

###