LANSING (WWJ) -- Michiganders will be noticing lowered drug costs and heightened transparency at the pharmacy soon.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4348, 4351 and 4352 on Wednesday that will lower the costs of prescriptions, ensure that pharmacists can provide honest advice to patients about treatment options and to hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable.
“For too long, unlicensed pharmacy benefit managers have been able to engage in practices that drive up costs for Michiganders whose lives and health depend on critical prescription drugs like insulin," said Whitmer. "This bill brings much-needed transparency to our healthcare system and is a testament to what we can do when we put Michiganders first."
House Bill 4348 requires pharmacy benefit managers to file transparency reports, prohibits them from driving up drug costs and removes "gag clauses" so pharmacists can communicate honestly with patients about their options.
House Bill 4351 prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from charging patients a co-pay that is higher than the cost of their prescribed drug, discriminating against pharmacies based on financial interests and requiring health insurance carriers to become third party administrators.
House Bill 4352 allows pharmacists to discuss generic drugs prices --comparing them to the cost of name brand equivalents -- and bans them from entering into a contract that limits their ability to discuss drug prices.
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“In 2017, 32% of Michigan residents stopped taking their medication as prescribed due to the cost,” said bill sponsor Rep. Julie Calley. “This impactful new law will directly improve the affordability and access of prescriptions. It also adds much needed transparency into our healthcare system.”
The three House Bills are based off recommendations by Whitmer’s Prescription Drugs Task Force, which has worked with health policy experts, bipartisan members of the legislature and stakeholders to discuss solutions.
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“I’ve worked tirelessly to address escalating drug costs since becoming a state legislator," said Rep. Angela Witwer. "No one should have to choose between purchasing food and an essential medication, least of all our seniors who have given so much to our communities. I’m proud of the work we accomplished on both sides of the aisle and will continue to fight to ensure that our community members receive the medication they need.”
A bipartisan bill pending in the Legislature would increase the savings for diabetics by capping the price of insulin sold in Michigan at $50 a month.