California bans drug coupons when cheaper alternatives are available

Call it a one-two punch.

At the same time California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law, requiring drug makers explain and justify price hikes, he also signed another law prohibiting the use of prescription drug coupons when a lower-priced generic medicine is available.

The law reflects controversy over the role that coupons play in the debate over rising health care costs, and also arrives as state and federal authorities examine other forms of financial assistance that the pharmaceutical industry provides patients.

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