Miller-Meeks Introduces Bipartisan Bill Aimed at Reducing Prescription Drug Costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks has introduced new legislation designed to lower prescription drug costs and limit the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the commercial insurance market. The bill, known as the DRUG Act, has garnered bipartisan support and praise from various patient advocacy and healthcare organizations.

The DRUG Act, which Miller-Meeks introduced alongside Representatives Rick Allen (R-GA), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), and Brad Schneider (D-IL), seeks to reform the business practices of PBMs. Supporters argue PBMs often prioritize profits over patients, contributing to rising drug prices.

“Pharmacy Benefit Managers have been operating in a system that lacks transparency and accountability,” Miller-Meeks said in a statement. “The DRUG Act would sever the link between PBM compensation and the list price of medications, ultimately reducing costs for patients and protecting local pharmacies.”

Several organizations have voiced support for the legislation:

Prevent Blindness Iowa: Executive Director Jeanne Burmeister called the bill “a critical first step,” stating it would require PBMs to share rebates with patients and improve reimbursement rates for local pharmacies.

Iowa Biotechnology Association: Executive Director Jessica Hyland praised the bill for “separating PBMs’ corporate profits from the cost of drugs,” describing it as “much-needed reform.”

PBM Accountability Project: Managing Director Mark Blum noted that the bill would “prevent PBMs from deriving income from any source other than transparent, market-determined fees.”

Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP): ATAP President Dr. Robert Levin said the bill would address “misaligned incentives that drive up drug costs” and restore transparency.

HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute: Executive Director Carl Schmid emphasized the bill’s potential to lower patients’ costs by “delinking the price a patient pays from the list price of a drug.”

Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease: Chair Ken Thorpe stressed the bill’s importance for patients with chronic conditions, stating that PBMs’ current incentives drive up costs.

Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations: Dr. Madelaine Feldman highlighted how PBMs’ rebate-driven practices affect patient access to affordable medications, saying the bill would help ensure “patients are prioritized over profits.”

The DRUG Act has also received national media attention, with Fox News reporting on the bipartisan effort to “stop pharmacy middlemen from driving up drug costs for financial gain.” Locally, Oskaloosa News covered the introduction of the bill as well.