The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) is partnering with Mathematica Policy Research to help states increase transparency and accountability to address rising prescription drug prices. This state-directed partnership will support the alignment of data collection and enable cross-state analyses. Currently, California, Oregon, Nevada, Connecticut, and Vermont require manufacturers to report on price increases and the reasons behind those increases. Maine and New Hampshire are conducting studies on drug price transparency.
The results of this initiative — Supporting Effective State Transparency Laws — will become available for use by all states in 2019 through funding support by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. The results will include:
- A common prescription drug pricing data set that states agree should be collected;
- Optional data elements states may collect, based on specific legislative goals;
- A roadmap for implementing transparency legislation, including reporting protocols, quality control, and data sources;
- A template for a searchable database that states can adapt for their own use, which will facilitate cross-state analyses; and
- Updated model state transparency legislation.
Mathematica was selected following a competitive bidding process. NASHP received a dozen proposals that were reviewed by State Transparency Implementation Network officials. Mathematica’s expertise in data collection and data integrity enable them be effective partners with NASHP in identifying and meeting states’ needs as they design and implement effective transparency legislation.
Aligning efforts across states through uniform data collection will help all states collect solid data on the extent and drivers behind rising drug prices. High-quality data will ultimately help states achieve better understanding of price increases and empower them to take effective action to control them.
Learn more at NASHP’s Center for State Rx Drug Pricing.
