Ohio voters reject drug price initiative

Ohio voters rejected a proposal Tuesday that sought to curb prescription drug prices paid by the state (Source: “Ohio voters reject Issue 2 ballot measure to curb prescription drug prices paid by state,” Akron Beacon-Journal, Nov. 7, 2017).

The pharmaceutical industry spent an estimated $70 million to oppose Issue 2, the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act, saying it would reduce access to medicines and raise prices for veterans and others. Supporters, led by the California-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, spent close to $17 million in support, saying it would save the state millions of dollars and could force the industry to reduce prices elsewhere.

The measure would have required the state to pay no more for prescription drugs than the Department of Veterans Affairs’ lowest price, which is often deeply discounted.