Groups push for legislation to encourage Medicaid programs to use generic drugs

National Journal: Groups Push Generics For Savings In Medicaid
A group of pharmacists, generic drug makers and consumer interest organizations are trying to build support for a bill that offers states financial incentives to use generic drugs under Medicaid instead of brand-name drugs, which supporters say will save both states and the federal government money. The campaign is in its early stages -- too early, said Generic Pharmaceutical Association president and CEO Ralph Neas, to know if there will be an ad buy -- but "it'll be picking up steam," Neas said. GPhA held a briefing earlier this month for Senate and House staffers to rally for the Affordable Medicines Utilization Act of 2011 and has been having meetings on the Hill and with administration officials, Neas said (Joseph, 11/28).