News

Prescription drug reform moves ahead in Maine

Prescription drug reform moves ahead in Maine

Photo: clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)   Maine could aim to lower prescription drug costs under bills moving through the state’s Legislature.

The Senate unanimously supported such bills Tuesday.

One bill would create the Maine Prescription Drug Affordability Board to monitor prescription drug prices.

Democrats and Republicans both applauded the bills, which face further votes in both chambers.

Such legislation would require manufacturers of the costliest prescription drugs in Maine to disclose the cost of drug production, research and development, marketing and advertising, as well as the actual costs paid by purchasers.

Manufacturers who fail to disclose such information could face a fine of as much as $10,000 per day.

The Senate also supported bills to import wholesale prescription medications from Canada and rewire rules for companies that administer drug benefit programs for health plans.

Latest Headlines

3 hours ago in Local

Fire damages home, destroys barn in Augusta

Fire destroyed a barn and damaged a home in Augusta on Monday.

3 hours ago in Local

Swanville man arrested again for sex crimes

Updated

A Waldo County man is facing sex crime charges for the second time this year.

9 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Marathon milestone shattered: Sabastian Sawe breaks the fabled 2-hour barrier by 30 seconds

A pair of African distance runners took down what was once among the most unthinkable records in sports on Sunday, shattering the long-unapproachable two-hour barrier in the 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) marathon.

23 hours ago in Local

Moderate Fire Conditions Present in Maine

Most of the state is under moderate fire danger.

24 hours ago in Local

Kennebunkport Police Report String of Car Thefts, Burglaries

Officers are calling the incidents "crimes of opportunity," as unlocked cars or visible belongings are easy targets.