The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Wisconsin families feel the financial squeeze every time they walk into the pharmacy. One in four Wisconsinites admit they’ve skipped or halved doses. Over half fear rising drug prices in the years ahead. It’s unsustainable, especially as chronic illness becomes more common in our state.
President Trump recently issued an executive order that laid out a plan to take on high drug prices. One key piece was a “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) policy – the idea that Medicare should pay no more than the lowest prices charged in other wealthy countries.
But executive orders aren’t enough on their own. Congress must act – and Republicans like our great Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) who can lead the way.
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Fortunately, Medicare is already taking a major step forward. Thanks to the 2022 prescription drug law, Medicare now has the power to negotiate lower prices for some of the most expensive drugs. The first round of negotiations is projected to save 9 million patients $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs and reduce Medicare spending by $6 billion in 2026 alone. More than 5 million people are expected to see lower prices the following year.
President Trump has voiced support for this program, and his Department of Justice is defending it in court against Big Pharma’s bogus lawsuits. That momentum must continue. Congress should ensure the negotiation program is fully implemented, expanded, and shielded from industry interference.
At the same time, Congress should build on that foundation with additional reforms like MFN. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in Congress to put MFN into law, ensuring that seniors in the Midwest aren’t being price-gouged by pharma, while other countries are paying much less. But for MFN to work, it must be thoughtfully designed, aligned with the Medicare negotiation program, and focused on delivering savings to patients.
Both MFN and Medicare negotiations are critical to breaking Big Pharma’s monopoly power. They are not either/or solutions – they could be complementary tools in a broader strategy to bring relief to patients.
Senator Johnson has long supported transparency and accountability in government. Now he has the chance to prove it by backing Most Favored Nation pricing and protecting Medicare negotiation.
Wisconsin families are still splitting pills at the kitchen table. It’s time for Congress and Senator Johnson to act.
– Magnafici is a registered nurse and former representative for the 28th Assembly District.
