The skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs is a constant refrain from my constituents in the 11th District, and we finally have an opportunity to do something about it.
I’m proud to be one of the sponsors of a legislative package to create the state’s first Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), which would serve as an independent body to research, review and establish upper payment limits on the most expensive prescription drugs.
In October, Senate Bills 483-485 were passed by the Senate and are awaiting action in the House.
Research shows too many people can’t afford their prescriptions or must choose between groceries or paying utility bills. The Michigan Prescription Drug Task Force found nearly a third of residents aged 19-64 stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost.
It’s high-time to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to hold Big Pharma accountable so Michigan residents can afford their life-saving medications. Six states have already established PDABs, and several other states are in the process of creating their own independent boards.
I urge my House colleagues to pass Senate Bills 483-485 so we can lower the cost of prescription drugs for Michigan residents and bring much needed accountability, oversight, and transparency.
Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, Michigan’s 11th District