Makers of generic pharmaceuticals are pushing back against an attempt to regulate prices in the industry.

A measure would allow the Illinois attorney general to investigate if a price increase goes above a certain level. Companies can avoid penalties if they can show the hike is because of increased manufacturing costs. 

State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) says drug prices are often left unregulated because insurance covers the costs. 

“The Medicaid programs spends a whole lot of money on prescription drugs — and so when these companies engage in price gouging, that costs the state hundreds of millions of dollars that we’re spending directly on pharmaceutical companies,” Guzzardi said.