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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Raising the Curtain on Rising Rx Prices

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Tuesday, March 12, 2019   

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Some health care groups say it's time to raise the curtain on the escalating cost of prescription drugs.

According to AARP, more than $300 billion is spent on prescription medications each year in the U.S. - and nearly three-quarters of that is on brand-name drugs, which only account for 1-in-8 prescriptions. Republican State Sen. Scott Jensen of Chaska said honest discussions are needed about what's happening behind the scenes with pharmaceutical companies and drug pricing.

"We have a health care system that's out of control because of our inability to move forward with innovative legislation,” Jensen said. “We're shortchanging the entire American population by not engaging in a fully open dialogue where elected leaders are courageous."

Minnesota lawmakers are considering bills to increase transparency and crack down on price gouging. And Jensen is sponsoring legislation that would require better disclosure from Pharmacy Benefit Managers, who act as middle-men and often set drug prices.

In a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 8-in-10 respondents said they thought the cost of prescription drugs was unreasonable.

Erin Parrish, associate state director for advocacy and outreach with AARP Minnesota, said too many people struggle to afford necessary and life-saving medications. She recounted a conversation with a woman whose monthly treatment for rheumatoid arthritis jumped from $60 to $1,400.

"As a result, she opted to go without the treatment for about three years, which has had some irreparable damage to her health,” Parrish said. “She no longer has the strength to cut a peanut butter sandwich. She's had to give up hobbies that she loved."

AARP is kicking off a national campaign to urge lawmakers to address rising drug prices, including calls to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and to accelerate the market release of generic drugs.

Jensen said while congressional action is needed, state-level measures can have a greater impact. And he's hopeful his colleagues will take action.

"On the one hand, they want something done. On the other hand, they're not certain that they want to endorse or promote further regulation,” he said. “I would challenge that. I think we need to look at thoughtful, reasonable, circumspect regulation as a real tool to help flush out this increasingly large piece of the health care pie."

Drug companies have said higher prices are the result of research and innovation for new medications. However, challengers note that drug companies have increased the price of several drugs already on the market.


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