LANSING, Mich., Feb. 25, 2020 — Last Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-01, creating a Prescription Drug Task Force that will consist of leaders from the departments of Health and Human Services, Insurance and Financial Services, and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, as well as from the Michigan Legislature. State Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township) issued the following statement after being named to the task force:
“When I speak with the people of my district, prescription affordability is an issue that time and time again has been identified as a top concern. I have heard far too many stories about families being forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying rent, or paying for their prescriptions. It is heartbreaking and flat-out wrong. It is long past time for us to take action to ensure every Michigander has access to the medication they need, and I am honored by the opportunity to be a part of that.”
Over the past six years, the average price of drugs prescribed to treat diabetes, heart disease, depression, and other common conditions has more than doubled. To help remedy this, the Prescription Drug Task Force will identify strategies and recommend legislative and administrative actions that can be taken to increase transparency in the pricing of prescription drugs and to lower costs for Michigan families.
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