MADISON, WISCONSIN – AARP Wisconsin State Director Sam Wilson released the following statement this afternoon, applauding the Wisconsin State Assembly for passing AB 114, dealing with Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
“AARP Wisconsin commends the State Assembly for passing a bill to increase transparency of Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Several measures in the bill will help improve drug pricing transparency for Wisconsin consumers. Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, manage most prescription drug benefits for insurers, employers and some government programs.
“This bipartisan legislation is a start in lowering prescription drug prices and high out-of-pocket costs for Wisconsinites,” Wilson said.
Among other provisions, AB 114 would prohibit “gag clauses” that prevent pharmacists from telling customers if their prescription drug would be cheaper if they bought it without using insurance.
“AARP Wisconsin strongly supports efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, Wilson said. “This bill will help reduce overpayments for prescriptions by allowing pharmacists to inform consumers of less expensive options. “
In 2016, 22% of Wisconsinites stopped taking a prescription drug as prescribed due to cost.
“While this PBM bill is a good first step, it’s important to remember that drug companies remain the root of high prescription drug prices. More work is needed at the state and federal level to stop letting drug companies price gouge seniors and taxpayers. We look forward to working with state elected officials to Stop Rx Greed.” Wilson said.
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