Senator Nozzolio Bill Requiring Prescription Drug Prices To Be Posted Online Signed Into Law

Albany — New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) announced today that Governor George Pataki has signed into law legislation (S.1936-A, Chap.293)) he sponsored that will require prescription drug prices to be posted online to give consumers easy access to the drug price list, allowing them to electronically comparison shop for prescription drugs on the Internet and help senior citizens save money.

“People who have no prescription drug coverage must pay the highest prices to obtain their medicines,” said Senator Nozzolio. “I believe the online prescription drug price list will greatly benefit all New Yorkers. This new law will allow consumers to compare and view prices on the web from local pharmacies all in the comfort of their home or office. I applaud Governor Pataki for signing this bill into law and making internet shopping for prescription drugs more convenient and effective for all consumers in New York State.”

This law (S.1936-A, Chap. 293) will require pharmacies to provide the same list electronically each week to the Department of Health, who will make the prices available on their web site. Signs will be posted in pharmacies notifying consumers that the price list is online and the address of the web site. The web site will be searchable by zip code and other factors.

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