MOUTH OF THE ELK - Moxy With Pharmacy Makers?

(11/16/2004)

By Bob Weaver Will state lawmakers have the moxy to withstand the onslaught of the drug-makers lobby and pass a bill that would actually lower the cost of medication in West Virginia? It looks like it. Gov. Bob Wise called a special session to do just that, starting Monday. The legislature had caved-in to the smoke and mirrors of the drug corporations last session and the protectionist positions of the Bush administration. The drug makers set up a West Virginia web site they said would help consumers save money. It had little effect, if any. Lawmakers could vote on a landmark plan to bring low-cost prescriptions to West Virginia residents. The agenda includes a proposal recommended by the newly created state Pharmaceutical Cost Management Council. They have drafted a plan that would allow the state to negotiate prices with drug makers with the deeply discounted Federal Supply Schedule as a benchmark. Speaker Bob Kiss said it could be up to three years before the plan could be activated.

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