Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, 612-386-9556
NEWS RELEASE
Bipartisan solution to address out of control drug prices advances the state House
Establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Commission is the top recommendation from the Attorney General’s Advisory Task Force on Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices
ST. PAUL, MN—Today, the Minnesota House advanced a bipartisan solution to address out of control prescription drug prices. The bill would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Commission to evaluate drug prices and protect Minnesotans from out of control drug costs.
Travis Paulson, a type 1 diabetic from Eveleth who runs a patient advocacy organization and organizes caravans to pharmacies in Canada testified in support of the bill. Paulson is facing long-term health complications from rationing insulin, which at times cost him $1,500 per month.
“My situation is not unique. Countless life-sustaining medications are priced out of reach for the middle class and working families. I see people struggling under the high cost of prescription drugs across our state,” Paulson said. “We are medical refugees and our government has no problem with that fact. We cannot allow Big Pharma to get away with pricing drugs out of reach for our families.”
The Prescription Drug Affordability Act has strong bipartisan support and is being championed by legislators from the doctor caucus.
“Minnesotans deserve access to the medication they need at a price they can afford,” said Rep. Kelly Morrison, a practicing physician and chief House author of the bill. “Having an independent commission in place to review problematic pricing of prescription drugs would help protect people from excessive costs and ensure prescription drug prices are affordable.”
After a year of researching high drug prices with patients and experts, the Attorney General’s Advisory Task Force on Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices recommended a Prescription Drug Affordability Commission as its top solution to state lawmakers.
Minnesotans are still waiting for a bill hearing in the state Senate.
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, independent, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns. Offices are located in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
