Pharma Racks Up Huge Victory In Ohio As Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Drug Price Relief Act

Pharmaceutical companies pumped about $60 million into defeating the initiative that sought to reduce spending on prescription drugs and save money for public agencies. Voters, however, were left confused about exactly what the measure would do.

Stat: Ohio Voters Reject Measure To Rein In Drug Costs

A ballot proposal to rein in drug costs appeared headed for a lopsided defeat in Ohio Tuesday after an expensive ballot fight that drew tens of millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry. The ballot proposal, known as the Drug Price Relief Act, was rejected by nearly 80 percent of voters in early results, causing the Associated Press to project defeat for the measure. It would have required that state agencies pay no more for medicine than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which gets a 24 percent discount off average manufacturers’ prices. (Ross, 11/7)

Cleveland Plain Dealer: After A Divisive And Expensive Campaign, Issue 2 Fails At The Polls

Issue 2 - the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act - sought to lower how much the state pays for pharmaceuticals to the price given to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Backed by the nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Issue 2 faced an uphill battle from the onset. What could have been a contentious Election Night ended quickly, with the race called before 8:30 p.m. Proponents conceded less than an hour after the polls closed. (Richardson, 11/7)

Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio Issue 2 On Drug Prices Fails; Issue 1 On Victims' Rights Passes

Supporters of Issue 2 billed the match-up as a David and Goliath-style fight. Drug companies raised more than $58.2 million to defeat the measure, which would have required Ohio's state-managed health care programs, such as Medicaid, to pay no more for medicine than the discounted price paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. (Balmert, 11/7)

Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans Nix Controversial Drug-Price Issue

“Money doesn’t buy elections. People are paying attention,” said longtime Ohio political consultant Curt Steiner, who managed the campaign against state Issue 2. “After taking a close look, they made a decision to vote no.” (Candisky and Henry, 11/7)

For more news on high drug costs, check out our weekly feature, Prescription Drug Watch, which includes coverage and perspectives of the issue.

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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