Monday, March 14, 2022

Why doesn't California have this?

Of perhaps we do and I just don't know it. (I get my health care in the closed Kaiser system, so I enjoy the advantages of that.)

Because of having worked on elections in Nevada, I scan the news from the Silver State and was delighted to see that Governor Steve Sisolak has managed to launch a prescription drug cost savings program.

According to the Nevada Independent

Gov. announced that Nevada will join Oregon and Washington in the Northwest Prescription Drug Consortium, a partnership that allows residents to use drug discount cards to purchase prescription drugs at lower costs.

... Data shared by the state using examples from Oregon and Washington offer an example of potential cost savings for consumers. The retail chain cash price for 30 counts of 20 mg Atorvastatin, a medication widely used to lower cholesterol, is $127, but through the program, the cost could be reduced to just $6.14. Similarly, five 3 ml Lantus Solostar insulin pens can cost $530 at a retail chain, but the program can lower the cost to approximately $418.

... All residents of Nevada are free to enroll regardless of their private insurance. Slamowitz said consumers can choose to use the ArrayRx Card, that can be used at 65,000 locations nationwide or use their pharmacy benefit, depending on whichever provides a better price. 

Drug companies can just run over individuals. Harnessing the power our numbers is what government should be doing. If the feds can't get it done, states should get on with it. 

Bravo Nevada Democrats!

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