Generic medications are supposed to help people save money. But when companies are accused of working together to keep prices high instead of competing, consumers can end up paying more.

That’s what’s behind a newly announced settlement involving Sandoz, one of the nation’s largest generic drug makers. that Sandoz has agreed to pay about $450 million to settle claims brought by 43 states and territories alleging the company was part of a conspiracy to inflate prices for certain generic prescription drugs, Reuters reports. Sandoz denies wrongdoing.

Washington, Oregon and Idaho have joined a multistate effort to investigate alleged price-fixing in the generic drug industry.

In announcing the settlement, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the investigation is part of an ongoing effort to hold drug makers accountable for conduct that may have artificially inflated the cost of medications consumers rely on every day. The Sandoz settlement follows agreements with several other drug companies, while litigation continues.

The case is a reminder that affordable medications depend on competition. When that breaks down, patients can end up paying more.

If you’re concerned about medication costs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about lower-cost alternatives, compare pharmacy prices when possible and review your prescription drug coverage each year.

Have high prescription drug costs affected you or someone you love?Visit VoicesForAffordableHealth.com to share your experiences, concerns and ideas. Your voice helps shine a light on why affordable healthcare matters.

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