LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Prescription Drug Task Force she announced during her 2020 State of the State address has released their report and recommendations.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Task Force worked with bipartisan members of the legislature to recommend legislation to require transparency, hold accountable those profiting from skyrocketing prices, and help make necessary medications affordable.
“Michigan families deserve to know that they can trust and have access to the medicine they need. No one should have to choose between filling needed prescriptions and paying rent or buying food,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “I want to thank Senators Brinks and VanderWall and Representatives Witwer, Kuppa, and former representative Vaup
Representatives with MDHHS also released statements on the matter.
“The goal of the Task Force since day one was to find a way to lower the cost of prescriptions for Michigan families,” MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel said in a statement. “The policies being recommended today will help make it easier for families to afford necessary medications for conditions including diabetes, heart disease and many others, improving overall health and quality of life for thousands of Michiganders.”
The Task Force recommended the following specific policies among others:
- Require transparency reports from drug manufacturers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and hospitals
- Require state licensure for Pharmacy Benefit Managers
- Hold accountable those profiting from skyrocketing prices
- Help make necessary medications affordable for all Michigan families
“The work of the Task Force will support our efforts to protect the health and financial wellness of Michiganders as we address the hardships caused by rising prescription drug costs,” Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said in a statement. “Insurers, health care providers, and the pharmaceutical industry all have a role to play in ensuring Michiganders can afford necessary medications, and I look forward to our continued partnership on this important effort.”
Over the past six years, the average price of drugs prescribed to treat diabetes, heart disease, depression, and other common conditions has more than doubled, according to Whitmer’s office.
To address these issues among others, the Governor announced a Prescription Drug Task Force last year to develop policy solutions to lower prescription drug costs and create more transparency surrounding prescription drug pricing.
“Making prescription drugs affordable remains among AARP Michigan’s highest priorities. We commend the Governor for making it one of Michigan’s top priorities. Studies show one of three Michiganders do not take all the medications they need because they can’t afford it. We can have the best drugs in the world but they won’t help people if they are priced out of reach,” Melissa Seifert, Government Affairs, AARP said.
Whitmer’s office says the task force worked with health policy experts and stakeholders to discuss legislative and administrative solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Michigan families.
The report outlines key policy solutions and offers recommendations on four key areas: Transparency, Affordability, Accountability, and Accessibility.
To view the full report, click the link below:
