Prescription Drug Discounts

Summary from the 2005 ballot pamphlet
Provides for prescription drug discounts to Californians at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Authorizes the state to bar non-participating drug companies from receiving Medi-Cal contracts. Fiscal impact: one-time and ongoing state costs, potentially in the millions to low tens of millions of dollars annually, a significant share of which would probably be borne by the state’s General Fund.

Outcome: Prop. 79 failed by a 38.9 percent to 61.1 percent margin, so this measure will not affect prescription drug prices or coverage.