Attempt to curb pharmaceutical prices in Oregon runs into drug-industry opposition in Legislature

SALEM — An ambitious attempt to try to rein in prescription drug prices on about a third of Oregon health insurance plans has run into a buzz saw of opposition in the Capitol.

The concept of curbing fast-growing drug costs is very popular with voters nationally, polls show. Democratic and Republican state lawmakers say high prices are a problem.

But the experience of House Bill 2387 this session illustrates strong differences of opinion about how to cut prices.

It also shows how two well-funded lobby groups — the pharmaceutical industry and health insurance companies — have aggressively tried to shift the policy discussion to their advantage. The drug industry opposes the bill, but many insurers like it.

Read more: http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/35413540-75/attempt-to-curb-pharmaceutical-prices-in-oregon-runs-into-drug-industry-opposition-in-legislature.html.csp