Georgia News(Week 5)-"Drug maker tempts Medicaid"

Eli Lilly & Co. has proposed giving $5 million to Georgia's Medicaid program in exchange for the lifting of state restrictions, an action that would increase sales of Eli Lilly & Co.'s drugs, according to a recent article. This proposed deal is being seen as suspicious by many, as they feel that Eli Lilly & Co. is simply trying to "buy their way on [the preferred-drug list] again." Many are also concerned with the "safety, effectiveness or cost" of the company's drugs. Other Lilly proposals, according to the article, also had similar strings attached. The aforementioned preferred-drug list, which Lilly wants its drugs to be on, "is a roster of medications that can be prescribed for Medicaid patients without any state restrictions," according to the article. This case can be a show of possible corruption in the Medicaid system, as it seems as if companies can buy their way onto the list, instead of making it on the list fairly and deservingly. In my opinion, this measure will not be completed, as Georgia will most likely not be willing to take the political backlash that could stem from taking part in a deal like this.

Link: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1005/20bizmedicaid.html