The Ohio Drug Price Relief Act is expected to appear on the ballot in November, 2017.

The proposed initiated statute would prohibit the state from purchasing a prescription drug unless the net cost of the drug is equal to or less than the lowest price paid for the drug by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA).

It could directly impact more than 4 million individuals served by state programs including those on Medicaid, individuals participating in state retirement programs, and those receiving care through other state programs such as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) commissioned Vorys Health Care Advisors (VHCA) and Health Management Associates (HMA) to create an independent and objective analysis of the potential impact of the proposed act.

Results of the analysis show it is highly unlikely the proposed act could be effectively implemented; moreover, it is highly likely it would fail to achieve its purpose and negatively impact non-targeted entities via increased prescription drug costs and limited availability of certain medications.