Booker Calls for Greater Transparency in Medicaid Drug Coverage Decisions

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced legislation Dec. 18 designed to increase the transparency of drug coverage decisions made by state Medicaid programs, after an investigation gave rise to concerns of dishonest industry influence.

The investigation, conducted by NPR and the Center for Public Integrity, found that drug companies hand out perks and payments to influence review board members, individuals that determine which drugs state Medicaid programs will cover.

“The nefarious tactics that drug companies use to influence state Medicaid programs’ drug coverage decisions are dishonest and disturbing,” said Booker.