Lawmakers in Michigan have introduced a package of bills designed to lower costs and expand health care access.

Senate Bill 3 would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, made up of experts in economics, health care, supply chain management and academia, with no ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Its aim would be to cut costs and protect people’s health and finances, by keeping prescription drug prices fair and transparent.

Sen. Sue Shink, D-Northfield, cosponsored the legislation.

“When I talk to people across my district — and I spend a lot of time going door-to-door talking to people, asking them what’s important to them, what kind of issues are they facing — ‘being able to afford health care’ is the most common question I get,” Shink reported.

As far back as 2017, it is estimated about one-third of Michigan residents ages 19-64 stopped taking their medications as prescribed because of cost concerns. The new legislation is in the Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee.

Research shows more than 100 brand-name drugs won’t have a money-saving generic available any time soon, and for some, not even for another five years. Prescription drug spending in the U.S. has already topped $603 billion, rising 16% between 2016 and 2021.

Shink argued the proposal would help hold pharmaceutical companies accountable.

“Sometimes the drug companies are just charging too much because they can,” Shink asserted. “This board is going to take a look at drug prices, find the outliers and then help resolve the situation.”

If the legislation is passed, Michigan would become the seventh state to tackle rising prescription drug costs with a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Companion bills would ensure doctors and insurance companies abide by the board’s decisions.