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A report from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review found that eight prescription drugs had price hikes that were so steep they cost consumers nearly $1.3 billion.
To make matters worse, the report found that none of the price hikes for were supported by any new improvements or clinical data.
That's right: in one year, prices rose by $1.3 billion, and the drugs didn't get any better. Researchers found no evidence to support the dramatic rise in cost.
It also notes that "state policymakers have been particularly active in seeking measures to address this issue."
Some states have proposed legislation that would require drug manufacturers to pay a fee for price increases on drugs that are not supported by evidence of improved clinical value.
That fee would be based on the price increase from the previous year and go towards helping consumers afford medications.
In North Carolina, we have yet to see many proposals to address high drug costs. This is likely due to the strength and influence of the Big Pharma lobby.
But if prices continue to increase by $1.3 billion a year with no improvements to the drug, then legislators must find solutions.
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