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Proposal would lower out of pocket costs for prescriptions for people on Medicare

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published February 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM EST
North Carolina’s Attorney General has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on states’ authority to regulate pharmacy benefit managers. Attorney General Josh Stein said he filed the brief because, “Too many prescription drugs are simply too expensive.”
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North Carolina’s Attorney General has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on states’ authority to regulate pharmacy benefit managers. Attorney General Josh Stein said he filed the brief because, “Too many prescription drugs are simply too expensive.”

A North Carolina Democrat has introduced a bill meant to lower out of pocket costs for prescriptions for people on Medicare.

Congressmen Don Davis has introduced the Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act, which would limit coinsurance responsibility for prescription drugs.

Right now, coinsurance payments, are based on the wholesale price of prescription drugs. The proposed legislation would instead calculate the copay based on the drug’s net, or actual price, which is less expensive.

Davis said seniors on Medicare should not have to face undue hardship at the pharmacy counter.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
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