‘People In Michigan Are Hurting’: Lawmakers Unveil 15-Bill Package To Control Prescription Drug Prices
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN's Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Mlive.com:
Michigan House Package Aims To Curb ‘Skyrocketing’ Prescription Drug, Health Care Costs
A bipartisan group of state House representatives [last] Wednesday introduced health care reforms that aim to cap costs on medications and improve transparency in the price-setting process. House Speaker Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, joined state lawmakers from both parties to discuss the new plan during a Feb. 24 press conference in the Michigan State Capitol. Co-sponsors who joined him included Reps. Julie Calley, R-Portland; Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn; Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian; and Sarah Cambensy, D-Marquette. (Dodge, 2/24)
(Kankakee, Ill.) Daily Journal:
Illinois Lawmakers Could Take Up Prescription Drug Legislation
Meetings have been taking place across Illinois on the subject of prescription drug legislation, which lawmakers could take up this year. House Bill 1745 would limit a patient’s monthly out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. The legislation won’t save anyone money, but will make expenses more predictable. The legislation would also limit a beneficiary’s monthly or annual out-of-pocket financial responsibility for prescription drugs to a specified dollar amount. (Bessler, 3/1)
The State Journal-Register:
Health Matters: Here's Suggestions On How To Save Money On Prescription Drugs
Nearly 10% of U.S. health care spending is for prescription drugs, totaling $370 billion in 2019. Remarkably, only half of that amount comes from insurance companies and the government; the rest is paid out-of-pocket by patients. On average, each American adult fills 17 prescriptions a year; the number doubles for those 65 and older. Paying for prescription drugs can place a substantial financial burden on patients and families. According to a report from Georgetown University, 40% of patients admitted to not filling prescriptions because of the cost, or cutting their spending on food, heat and other necessities so that they can afford their meds. (Yang and Parker, 2/28)
