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Gov. Evers Signs Bill Intended to Lower Cost of Prescription Drugs

Erin Gottsacker/WXPR

Gov. Tony Evers signed a bipartisan bill Friday morning intended to lower the cost of prescription drugs in Wisconsin.

He signed the bill at the Bridge Community Health Clinic in Wausau, after touring the facility.

The new law requires pharmacy benefit managers – the people who negotiate prices with drug manufacturers – to register with the state.

By requiring them to register and submit annual reports, Gov. Evers said the law will make this process more transparent.

“It has more accountability for the work that they do. And also, frankly, it will save money and put more power in the hands of pharmacists of the state of Wisconsin,” he said.

The law also prohibits gag contracts between pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacists.

That means pharmacists will be able to tell customers if there are alternative drugs they can get at lower costs.

“There are people who can’t afford prescription drugs,” Evers said. “They’re cutting pills in half. They’re putting off taking doses they should be taking on a regular basis, and our budget tackles that.”

Evers said this bill was signed into law quickly because of support on both sides of the aisle.

Erin Gottsacker worked at WXPR as a Morning Edition host and reporter from December 2020 to January 2023. During her time at the station, Erin reported on the issues that matter most in the Northwoods.
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