Labor, consumer, and healthcare groups were in Salem today lobbying for a bill that could reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
Backers say it's time to put a stop to the high cost of drugs.
But the industry is fighting the bill, saying it would stifle research and development of new drugs. Jeff Brady reports. Over the past two decades drug costs have risen dramatically. For the first time, prescription drugs are the most expensive item in the Oregon Health Plan budget, more than either hospital or doctor bills. A coalition of groups wants legislation passed that would consolidate drug purchases for all state programs and agencies, including the Oregon Health Plan and the Public Employees Benefit Board.