In August of 2019, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #39 establishing a task force on reducing prescription drug prices. This group analyzed information relating to the development, pricing, distribution, and purchasing of prescription drugs; reviewed actions already taken by Wisconsin and other states to reduce prescription drug prices; and identified opportunities to coordinate with other states and the federal government. The group also recommended potential actions that coud be taken to reduce prescription drug prices in Wisconsin.
The report is the culmination of months of work by task force members, who met eight times between November 2019 and August 2020. The task force took a comprehensive look at the prescription drug supply chain and its multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacists, hospitals, and, of course, consumers. Testimony was gathered from consumers, businesses, and health care providers about how the high cost of prescription medications has impacted their lives and livelihoods. The recommendations and policy options included in the report are intended to provide initial direction for a continued and evolving discussion about how to address high prescription drug costs in Wisconsin.
Learn more about the task force's public meetings held across the state.
Gov. Evers assembled a diverse group of stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, health care providers, and retailers.
Stay up to date on the latest news coming from the task force.
Prescription drugs are a vital component to the health and wellbeing of Wisconsin residents. In 2019, Wisconsin residents spent an estimated $1.3 billion on prescription drugs. The rising costs of prescription drugs create an untenable situation forcing residents to choose between paying for needed medication or paying for food, rent, and heat. This task force is working with multiple stakeholders to find solutions to skyrocketing prices to ensure that Wisconsinites have access to affordable life-saving pharmaceuticals.
Governor's Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices REVISED 2020 Workplan
Governor's Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices Report December 2019