SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee advanced Senator Kelly Morrison’s legislation (SF 168) prohibiting exorbitant prescription drug price hikes and establishing a prescription drug affordability board today. The legislation will help address the high cost of prescription drugs for Minnesotans, said Sen. Morrison.
“Minnesotans who rely on essential prescription drugs have seen the cost of many of these drugs rise repeatedly in recent years, making it more and more difficult for them to afford the medicines they need to survive and thrive,” said Sen. Morrison. “There’s a growing recognition across the country and here in Minnesota that many drugs are creating affordability challenges for patients and our healthcare system. We must address these exorbitant price hikes for Minnesotans.”
Sen. Morrison’s bill would prohibit exorbitant price increases of generic prescription drugs and establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board authorized to set an upper payment limit on some drugs that exceed certain thresholds and create affordability challenges. Several states have established similar boards, reflecting the national urgency to address the high cost of prescription drugs.
The legislation is one part of the consumer protection agenda rolled out by Senate DFLers for the 2023 Legislative Session. Following passage in the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, it now moves to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.
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Learn more about Sen. Morrison.
