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One of the biggest health issues Wisconsin lawmakers faced before the coronavirus pandemic was high drug prices, and on Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers announced a plan to lower medication costs for the state and consumers. Evers' plan would limit copayments on insulin, import drugs from countries where they cost less and give more funding to free clinics that provide medication patients couldn’t otherwise afford. The proposal is a glimpse into what the Democratic governor will include in his next two-year budget, which he will formally deliver in an address Feb. 16.  (Mills, 2/3)

In his upcoming 2021-23 biennial budget, Gov. Tony Evers plans to once again push for measures aimed at making prescription drugs more affordable in Wisconsin. “No Wisconsinite should have to choose between paying their bills and affording their prescription medication,” Evers said in a statement. “Picking up your prescription shouldn’t break the bank, but we know too many Wisconsinites continue to struggle to afford their medications. That’s just not right.” (Schmidt, 2/3)

Drug prices in the U.S. are about 256 percent higher than those in other countries, according to recent research. Below is a list of the 20 most expensive prescription drugs in the U.S., based on the official price their manufacture assigned to them, as compiled by prescription discount company GoodRx. This list excludes medications that must be administered by a healthcare practitioner. (Adams, 2/8)

You could be in for some sticker shock next time you go to the pharmacy. Last month, drug makers quietly raised the price on hundreds of brand-name prescription drugs. “I thought it was a misprint. I honestly was shocked,” said Kate Johnson of Gresham. Johnson saw the price of her medication for an autoimmune disorder skyrocket from $30 to $80 for a three-month supply. (Iboshi, 2/4)

Over 1.4 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. Gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapy can be an essential part of a trans person’s transition, but those procedures can be costly, and many private insurance plans don’t cover them. For the relatively small number that qualifies for Medicare coverage — just 0.7% of transgender people are Medicare beneficiaries — Medicare can provide significant relief. Medicare ensures that medically necessary care is covered, including some gender confirmation procedures. (2/8)