Wisconsin Democrats Propose “Lowering Costs, Improving Lives” Bill Package

On January 16, Wisconsin Democrats announced their  “Lowering Costs, Improving Lives” legislative package, aimed at addressing affordability issues for families across the state. The package focuses on lowering prescription drug prices, expanding access to affordable insulin, providing free school meals, and offering property tax relief for low-income residents.

The centerpiece of the package is a bill to reduce the financial burden of prescription medications. Key provisions include:

  • Eliminating cost-sharing for prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance (BadgerCare) program.
  • Capping insulin costs at $35 per month for insured individuals and requiring manufacturers to offer affordable insulin programs for uninsured or underinsured residents.
  • Creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to oversee pricing and set cost limits for high-priced medications.
  • Imposing transparency and fiduciary requirements on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to ensure fair practices.

The proposal includes grants to help healthcare providers develop tools to disclose prescription drug costs, a prescription drug importation program from Canada, and opportunities for pharmacists to count volunteer work toward continuing education requirements.

The package extends beyond healthcare, proposing free school meals for all Wisconsin students to reduce stigma and support families, as well as an expansion of the Homestead Tax Credit. The credit would raise the income eligibility cap from $24,680 to $35,000 and adjust for inflation, providing relief for low-income homeowners and renters.

With Republican control of both chambers, the package is unlikely to advance this legislative session. However, several of these issues may return as separate legislation, such as the PBM legislation. Republicans introduced a PBM bill last session as well.