Prescription Drug Reform Moves Ahead In Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine could aim to lower prescription drug costs under bills moving through the state's Legislature.
The Senate unanimously supported such bills Tuesday.
One bill would create the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board to monitor prescription drug prices.
Democrats and Republicans both applauded the bills, which face further votes in both chambers.
Such legislation would require manufacturers of the costliest prescription drugs in Maine to disclose the cost of drug production, research and development, marketing and advertising, as well as the actual costs paid by purchasers.
Manufacturers who fail to disclose such information could face a fine of as much as $10,000 per day.
The Senate also supported bills to import wholesale prescription medications from Canada and rewire rules for companies that administer drug benefit programs for health plans.