High costs are preventing nearly one in three Michigan adults from taking a needed medication. However, solutions to help bring down the price of prescription drugs could be around the corner. The new Prescription Drug Task Force established by Governor Gretchen Whitmer is starting its investigation into the scope and the cause of the rising costs. The Manager of Advocacy with AARP Michigan, Lisa Dedden Cooper, says with no action at the federal level, this is Michigan’s best chance to find solutions.
“We’re very much looking forward to them having the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and come up with some practical solutions. Other states have found paths forward to make changes to lower prescription drug prices. We can do it too, in Michigan.”
The average cost of prescription drugs rose about 60% between 2012 and 2017, while income increased only 11%. The task force will present its recommendations to the governor by mid August.
