LANSING - Citing the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs and the impact on Michigan consumers and jobs, State Representatives Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit), Gabe Leland (D-Detroit), Bill McConico (D-Detroit) Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) and Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit) today announced their support for a House Democratic proposal that will save Michigan residents up to 50 percent on prescription drug costs.
The legislation will allow Michigan to join the I-SaveRx program along with Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Vermont and Kansas. The program, run by Illinois, allows the state to contract with a Canadian clearinghouse that connects consumers with Canadian, European and Australian pharmacies and wholesalers approved by Illinois health inspectors. Consumers can buy about 150 brand-name prescription drugs from those pharmacies, and can expect to pay 25 to 50 percent less than the drug's cost in the U.S.
"Prescription drug companies have been charging ridiculous prices for their medications for a long time in this country and it's time we help our residents afford these expensive drugs," Hunter said.
Rep. Leland said that while all residents would be eligible to participate, the program would especially benefit seniors.
"Our state has seniors who have to choose between buying groceries and filling their prescriptions," Leland said. "People should not have to be forced to make these kinds of decisions just because their medication is too expensive."
There is no cost to the state to join I-SaveRx. The cost of administering the program is paid for by a nominal fee charged to consumers. For safety reasons, the program is limited to prescription refills on brand-name drugs that treat chronic or long-term conditions. All residents would be eligible to participate.
"Prescription drug prices are climbing everyday and it's getting harder and harder for our citizens to pay for them," McConico said. "We have an opportunity to help those who can't afford their medication. Let's take advantage of this new system and act now."
"We have many people, seniors and those chronically ill, who can't afford to pay for their prescription drugs and their health is jeopardized because of that," Rep. Smith said. "We live in the wealthiest country in the world. Our elderly and sick should be able to get the medications they need."
Rep. Tobocman said I-SaveRx is another avenue Michigan residents could use to fight expensive prescription drugs.
"We have to do whatever we can to help consumers with the rising cost of health care," Tobocman said. "Our state needs to take advantage of bulk-buying to keep prices low. We have to provide our residents with affordable drugs and this is a smart way to do it."