MARSHFIELD — Sue Wilhelm, pharmacy services director and interim clinical officer at Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., has been named by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices.
The 21-member task force includes six state agency officials, three Wisconsin legislators and representatives from a dozen medical, pharmacy and health advocacy organizations throughout Wisconsin.
“I see this appointment as both an honor and a profound responsibility to represent Security Health Plan, Marshfield Clinic Health System, our members, our communities and rural health care overall on this task force,” said Wilhelm. “The high cost of prescription drugs is top of mind for many people and a very important issue in our state. I’m passionate about doing all we can to help members in our communities who can’t afford their health care.”
The task force has been charged with making recommendations for reducing prescription drug prices in Wisconsin. Its work will involve gathering and analyzing data on the development, pricing, distribution and purchasing of prescription drugs. The task force will also analyze strategies used in other states to reduce prescription drug prices and identify opportunities to work with other states and the federal government.
“I think it’s important that we get at the heart of these issues,” Wilhelm said. “In my opinion, this involves transparency and delving into the root causes for the high cost of prescription drugs. I look forward to having a seat at the table in discussions that can bring forth genuine changes to benefit our communities.”
Nathan Houdek, Wisconsin’s deputy insurance commissioner and the task force chair, said he is confident members of the task force will work together effectively to find meaningful solutions. “Reducing prescription drug costs in Wisconsin is essential both to help consumers limit their out-of-pocket expenses and to address overall health care cost increases,” Houdek said.
The first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices was Nov. 20. Members of the public and interested parties can submit comments to the task force or request to be added to the email distribution list by contacting OCIRxDrugTaskForce@wisconsin.
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., part of the Marshfield Clinic Health System, is helping its 220,000 members in Wisconsin and beyond reach their best health. Accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Security Health Plan offers health insurance coverage for employees of large and small businesses, individuals and families. It also provides full-service third-party administration for self-funded employee benefit plans through Security Administrative Services, LLC.
