AG COMMENTS ON PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY SUIT TO BLOCK DRUG BILL

September 3, 2003

SEPTEMBER 3, 2003

CHARLES DOW, DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, 207-626-8577

 

            Attorney General Steven Rowe offered the following comments on a lawsuit filed against the State by the pharmacy benefits management industry, which seeks to block implementation of a new law:

            “The new law is intended to reduce prescription drug prices for Mainers by requiring price disclosures to health plans and prohibiting secret kickbacks from drug manufacturers to PBMs.  It is not surprising that the PBM industry finds the law objectionable.

            “The Maine Legislature is leading the way in reducing the cost of prescription drugs for Mainers.  We have learned to expect that innovation sparks litigation.  Mainers know that the first group down the trail always has to clear the trees.”

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