What Is Proposition 61? Voter Guide for 2016 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA -- If it passes, Proposition 61 would prohibit the state from paying more than the lowest price paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for prescription drugs, with exemptions for MediCal. Proponents say it will save the state money, while opponents say it will increase prescription prices and reduce patient access to medication.

With the potential to become one of the the most expensive ballot measure campaigns in California history, Proposition 61 is being watched by activists and legislators around the country because it takes on big pharmaceutical companies directly in an effort to curb drug company price gouging.

If it works, it could keep the cost of life-saving medicine down while also saving taxpayers millions. But it’s a gambit that could fail if drug companies respond by simply raising the price that veterans pay for medicine. It’s championed by progressives such as Bernie Sanders.

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The Legislative Analyst's Office has struggled to estimate how much money the state would save. That’s because in some cases, certain state agencies may already be paying prices as low as the VA for some drugs. And if the drug companies respond to the law by simply raising the costs it charges the VA, then there could be no savings.

Opponents, including the Republican and Libertarian parties, contend it will raise prescription drug costs for veterans, create red tape and increase the state's spending on prescription drugs.

According to the ballot summary, Proposition 61:

• "Prohibits state agencies from buying any prescription drug from a drug manufacturer at any price over the lowest price paid for the same drug by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, except as may be required by federal law.
• Applies to any program where the state agency is the ultimate payer for a prescription drug, even if the state agency does not itself buy the drug.
• Exempts purchases of prescription drugs under managed care programs funded through Medi-Cal"

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8

Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more on all of California's measures, see below:

• What Is Proposition 51?
• What Is Proposition 52?
• What Is Proposition 53?
• What Is Proposition 54?
• What Is Proposition 55?
• What Is Proposition 56?
• What Is Proposition 57?
• What Is Proposition 58?
• What Is Proposition 59?
• What Is Proposition 60?
• What Is Proposition 61?
• What Is Proposition 62?
• What Is Proposition 63?
• What Is Proposition 64?
• What Is Proposition 65?
• What Is Proposition 66?
• What Is Proposition 67?

Patch file photo

City News Service contributed to this report.