Which Way, L.A.?
Dueling Prescription Drug Plans
Election Day is a long way off, but two competing propositions on discount drugs for the poor and elderly will make for confusion, so we-re starting early to clarify them. Prop 79 was put on the ballot by labor unions and consumer groups; Prop 78 is the work of the pharmaceutical industry, which already has raised $72 million, making this the most expensive ballot-measure campaign in state history. The other side has about $10 million so far. If both measures pass, the one with the most votes will become law. The two propositions are on will be decided in the November election because Governor Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders failed to agree to a compromise that would have postponed it until June. We hear more from a healthcare consumer advocate, the pharmaceutical industry, and columnist Dan Weintraub of the Sacramento Bee.
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenElection Day is a long way off, but two competing propositions on discount drugs for the poor and elderly will make for confusion, so we-re starting early to clarify them. Prop 79 was put on the ballot by labor unions and consumer groups; Prop 78 is the work of the pharmaceutical industry, which already has raised $72 million, making this the most expensive ballot-measure campaign in state history. The other side has about $10 million so far. If both measures pass, the one with the most votes will become law. The two propositions are on will be decided in the November election because Governor Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders failed to agree to a compromise that would have postponed it until June. We hear more from a healthcare consumer advocate, the pharmaceutical industry, and columnist Dan Weintraub of the Sacramento Bee.
Prop 78: Discounts on Prescription Drugs
Prop 79: Prescription Drugs Discounts, State-negotiated Rebates
