WASHINGTON (June 20, 2000) – Led by big labor and liberal advocacy groups such as Families USA and the Center for Policy Alternatives, officials from 21 states will kickoff a nationwide campaign to artificially lower drug prices with group purchases and price controls. This campaign comes on the eve of congressional action on prescription drug legislation and a growing consensus that prescription drug coverage must be a part of comprehensive health care and Medicare reform.
To add needed balance, Dr. Robert Goldberg, senior fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA SM) and one of the nation's leading experts on prescription drug issues, is available to offer insight and analysis on the "Maine plan", which is at the heart of the multi-state campaign. He can also discuss the prescription drug legislation pending before Congress.
"Just like Canada's experience, this would mean fewer new drugs, and fewer people with access to the drugs that they need," said Goldberg. "This plan would be a windfall for healthy people who already have coverage at the expense of the sick and the poor."
WHO: Dr. Robert Goldberg, Senior Fellow, NCPA
WHAT: Prescription Drugs
WHEN: Available Immediately
Goldberg has researched and written extensively on the impact of price controls on biopharmaceutical innovation, FDA control of medical information, and the impact government regulation of medicine has had on health care quality. Last year, he authored an NCPA study dispelling the ten most common myths about prescription price controls.
He has testified before several congressional committees and has written on health care and social policy for Reader's Digest, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and Policy Review.