Senate and House Democrats Take Action to Rein in Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (April 24, 2025) — Today, Michigan Senate and House Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to lowering prescription drug costs for working families by taking bold steps toward creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB).  

 

The announcement came during a joint press conference held at the Michigan Capitol following the Senate’s passage of key legislation aimed at making life-saving medications more accessible and affordable. House Democrats announced plans to introduce companion legislation to move the effort forward in their chamber.  

 

“The burden of high drug costs falls hardest on our most vulnerable residents — seniors, children, and those managing chronic conditions,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), lead sponsor of the Senate package. “This board will give us a tool to protect consumers and bring much-needed fairness, transparency, and accountability to drug pricing in our state.” 

 

Sen. Camilleri was joined by bill sponsors and supporters from both chambers, including Sens. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) and Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.), along with Reps. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage), Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), and Helena Scott (D-Detroit). The lawmakers were accompanied by Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director of The Committee to Protect Health Care, who spoke on the human cost of high prescription prices. 

 

“Any medical doctor can tell you stories about patients who seek help only in emergencies because they have deep concerns about their ability to afford care, or who cut their pills in half or split up their insulin doses to try and minimize costs associated with their prescriptions. This is a dangerous reality no one should ever have to face. No Michigander should have to choose between filling a prescription to treat their diabetes, paying their rent or keeping food in the pantry,” said state Rep. Dr. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage), lead sponsor of the House PDAB package. “Unfortunately, the cost of health care is only increasing. Health care costs are increasing by 8-10% every year, and the fastest growing portion of our health care dollar is related to prescription drugs. PDAB will help ease the cost burden of medications on Michiganders, so they can continue to maintain their health and afford necessities. We must continue to move this legislation forward so Michiganders can afford and receive the care they need!” 

 

As pharmaceutical companies continue to post record-breaking profits, many Michiganders are being forced to choose between basic necessities like rent and groceries and essential medications like insulin. Nearly a third of Michigan residents stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost and 60% of older adults reported concerns over not being able to afford their essential medications. That’s why Democratic lawmakers from both chambers are working together to rein in skyrocketing prices and restore fairness to Michigan’s health care system. 

 

The bills would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, an independent body tasked with reviewing the cost of high-priced drugs and recommending fair pricing strategies. This includes setting upper payment limits — maximum amounts that can be charged for prescription drugs — on prescription drugs sold in the state. By establishing these limits on the most expensive medications, the board can help find cost-saving options and allow Michiganders to save money without giving up necessary medications. 

 

“It is beyond frustrating to know exactly what a patient needs to manage or treat a condition, but see them continue to suffer just because they cannot afford the medication we’ve prescribed — and this problem is only going to get worse,” said Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director of The Committee to Protect Health Care and an ER physician in west Michigan. “The tariffs that the Trump administration keeps dangling, enacting, and dangling out there again will drive up drug costs even further, since many medications are made with ingredients from China and other countries. In the many, many years it would take to set up production of these supply chains in the United States, more patients will suffer. More patients will die. Still, Big Pharma will continue to rake in billions of dollars in profits. We need to act now, at the state level, to protect Michigan patients.” 

 

 

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