Legislators voted in favor of new policies to curb the cost of prescription drugs in the state Medicaid program, putting their stamp on a plan initially laid out by Governor Charlie Baker in January. Consumer advocates applauded the compromise, while drug company lobbyists indicated they could live with it.
The drug pricing rules were among the most controversial pieces of the state budget plan. Senator Cindy Friedman, one of six lawmakers who negotiated the budget deal, said the compromise is close to what Baker first proposed. “I do suspect the governor will like it,” she said. “We truly believe this is going to save money and add some transparency so we understand better why drugs cost what they do,” Friedman added.”