Pharmaceutical distributors push back at possible state opioid tax

Plans to include a new tax on opioids in the Connecticut state budget drew renewed opposition Saturday from the pharmaceutical industry, a potential complication for the budget debate scheduled Monday for the General Assembly.

A national coalition of pharmaceutical distributors warned the tax ultimately would be paid by patients, many of whom need prescription-opioid drugs to manage severe pain.

“By adopting the opioid tax, the state of Connecticut would be increasing health care costs for thousands of patients who need these medications for a number of conditions and surgical procedures, including the treatment of cancer and end-of-life hospice care,” wrote John Gray, president and CEO of the Healthcare Distribution Alliance.

Gray released his comments about seven hours after House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, predicted that the tax would be included in the new state budget expected to be voted on Monday.

Read more: https://ctmirror.org/2019/06/01/pharma-pushes-back-as-possible-state-opioid-tax/