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One area state government can impact health care costs is through reforming the pharmacy benefit manager set up. We must put in place a system where all residents can get vital, often life saving drugs at the best price possible, and family pharmacies can compete in the market place.
Having worked as communications director at the PA Insurance Department, we must also make sure all insurers are providing the coverage their premium payers deserve. Uninsured care drives up the cost for everyone.
The state should also put in place reasonable parameters for payments to officers of health care facilities which are claiming tax exempt status. These health systems should not qualify for tax exemptions if they are paying outsized salaries and bonuses to top officials while the cost of health care soars.
As for drug companies, we should consider state legal action against any companies trying to unfairly extend patents to prevent generics from coming to market. We can also consider tying state tax incentives and economic development assistance for companies to locate or expand here to guarantees to provide lower cost drugs to residents.
Statement submitted by campaign or congressional office