Denver (AP) Starting next year, the state will negotiate discounts on generic drugs for Coloradans who don't have insurance but earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
A bill signed into law by Governor Ritter earlier this year directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek the discounts. The law makes Colorado one of the few states to include people who don't qualify for Medicaid in the Prescription Drug Program.
Governor Ritter also signed an executive order that puts Colorado in a pool of states negotiating discounts on generic drugs for people who qualify for Medicaid. Former Governor Bill Owens vetoed similar measures on grounds that it would be harder for the disabled to get brand-name drugs they need at a reasonable price.
Generic drugs are marketed after the original patent has expired.
