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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)

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)

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)