Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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February 16, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2022
Contact: Press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer on Passage of Bill to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs
Bipartisan legislation includes recommendations from governor's prescription drugs task force
LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the Michigan Legislature passed House Bill 4348, bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs based on recommendations from Governor Whitmer's Prescription Drug Task Force.
"This bipartisan legislation will help us lower the cost of prescription drugs for Michigan families," said Governor Whitmer. "We must continue working together to improve transparency in health care, hold accountable people and corporations profiting from skyrocketing prices, and make life-saving, essential medication like insulin affordable for every Michigander who needs it. I look forward to signing this legislation, and I am grateful to my Prescription Drug Task Force for all the work they did to provide a solid set of recommendations, including a few that were included in this legislation to help Michiganders save money on prescription drugs. Together, we can keep lowering costs for families as we grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and put Michiganders first."
Legislation Details
The new bill requires pharmacy benefit managers to file transparency reports, ensuring Michiganders have access to the information about the backend cost and profit of the medication they are being prescribed. It also promotes oversight by requiring Pharmacy Benefit Managers to acquire a license from the State of Michigan.
Governor Whitmer's Prescription Drug Task Force
The task force?worked with?health policy experts, bipartisan members of the legislature, and stakeholders to discuss legislative and administrative solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs for?Michigan families.
The task force's final report recommended the following specific policies among others. The legislation passed today:
Lowering the Cost of Insulin
In the governor's 2022 State of the State Address, she spoke about Attorney General Dana Nessel's ongoing investigation into one of the three largest drug companies that manufactures nearly all the insulin in the United States. The Attorney General is seeking to use the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to investigate the role drug companies play in raising prices. Meanwhile, in the Michigan Legislature, there is a?bipartisan effort?to cap the cost of insulin at $50 a month.??
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Lowering the cost of insulin will save lives and help Michiganders pay the bills, put food on the table, or save for the future.?Governor Whitmer will work with anyone to hold drug companies accountable, lower the cost of insulin, and save lives.??
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