Drug pricing bill gets nod

AUGUSTA – A bill touted by supporters as another way to drive down prescription drug prices in Maine won initial House approval Tuesday by a 75-63 roll call vote. The measure, LD 1890, faces further House and Senate reviews.

The bill would require manufacturers of prescription drugs dispensed through state health programs to disclose to the state average wholesale prices, wholesale acquisition costs, average manufacturer prices and the best price as defined by federal law.

Supporters said having that information would help the state to negotiate the best prices for drugs distributed through MaineCare and other state programs.

But opponents contended that the bill is unnecessary because the state already collects manufacturers’ prices.