Great Lakes Wire

As President Donald Trump rescinds a rule from the Biden Administration intended to lower prescription drug prices, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert titled "Prescription Drugs - How to Safely Save Money." This alert aims to assist consumers in managing their medication costs.

President Trump's decision to overturn Executive Order 14087, signed by former President Joe Biden, may result in increased medication prices. Nessel emphasized the importance of affordable prescription drugs for Michigan residents' health and well-being. She stated, “My Department is here to help consumers learn how to safely save money when purchasing their medications.”

The alert suggests that consumers can achieve significant savings through comparison shopping for prescription drugs. Options such as prescription discount cards or manufacturer’s coupons are particularly beneficial for cash-paying consumers without prescription drug coverage, although insured individuals may also benefit.

Michigan law mandates that pharmacists disclose the cost of a prescription drug upon inquiry and requires pharmacies to display notices about consumers' rights to know pricing information. Pharmacies must inform consumers that they are not obligated to purchase prescriptions there and can use price information for comparison shopping.

For those lacking pharmacy benefits or prescription drug coverage, the Michigan Drug Prices website offers resources to save money. Managed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), it allows users to compare local pharmacy prices on commonly prescribed drugs within Michigan's Medicaid formulary, find discount programs at retailers, and locate assistance programs for necessary medications.

The website provides search options by geographic region but advises contacting pharmacies directly for current pricing due to frequent changes in drug prices.

Additional resources include MIChild, Social Security Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, and Professional Prescription Advice (PPA). If any pharmacy refuses price disclosure, complaints can be filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or through the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team.

For further assistance or complaints:

Consumer Protection Team

P.O. Box 30213

Lansing, MI 48909

517-335-7599

Fax: 517-241-3771

Toll-free: 877-765-8388