Shackleford’s effort to improve prescription drug price transparency moves to House floor

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation authored by Representative Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) that would study ways to reduce the rising costs of prescription drugs passed through the Indiana House Public Health Committee with a vote of 11-0.

House Bill 1029 would enable the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services to look at prescription drug transparency, particularly the effect drug prices have on the ability of Hoosiers to afford treatment.

“This has been a concern at the national level, not just in Indiana,” Shackleford said. “It came to my attention when I was contacted by constituents who were unable to afford the insulin they needed to treat their diabetes. In many cases, they are forced to take less insulin than prescribed because they simply can’t afford the medication. They also wanted to know why Indiana’s needle exchange program provided clean needles freely to drug abusers, but not to people who use syringes for the administration of drugs they need to survive.

“I believe their experiences have been mirrored by many other Hoosiers who rely on medications to stay healthy,” she continued. “Do we have the means to provide these drugs for more reasonable prices? Both the public and private sectors have a responsibility to help people receive the proper health care. That is why a study of drug pricing must be done.”

The study would include input from several stakeholders to ensure a holistic view of drug pricing and access including pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesale distributers, pharmacies, health insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers.

“Our goal is to provide the people of Indiana with a better idea of the affordability of these prescription drugs, what we can do to make these prescriptions more affordable, and how we can help families afford these drugs,” Shackleford said.  “We need to prioritize Hoosier lives over profits.”

House Bill 1029 now moves to the full House for consideration.