Email from Rep. Miller-Meeks Miller-Meeks Weekly Script March 23rd, 2025 WEEKLY SC℞IPT View as Webpage Rep. Miller-Meeks: Lowering Prescription Drug Prices for Iowans Americans are struggling under the burden of skyrocketing prescription drug prices, and one of the biggest culprits behind these costs is the unchecked power of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). These middlemen have amassed excessive control over drug pricing, driving up costs for patients while squeezing out local pharmacies. It's time to change the system. As a physician, I have seen firsthand how rising drug costs impact patients, forcing them to choose between essential medications and other basic needs. As a State Senator, I was the first to introduce and pass a PBM reform bill in Iowa and I have been fighting to reform PBMs and bring down prescription drug prices since 2019. That’s why I’ve reintroduced the Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act, a bipartisan bill to rein in PBMs. This legislation removes the perverse incentive that allows PBMs to charge a percentage of a drug’s price, encouraging them to favor high-cost medications. Instead, the DRUG Act requires PBMs to operate on a flat-fee structure, ensuring they can no longer profit by driving up drug prices. In Iowa and across the country, independent pharmacies are closing at an alarming rate due to PBM tactics that limit competition and dictate unfair reimbursement models. In 2024 alone, 29 Iowa pharmacies shut their doors, with 2,300 closures nationwide. PBMs’ opaque business practices have created an unsustainable system that forces patients to pay more at the pharmacy counter while limiting access to essential medications. The DRUG Act will put downward pressure on drug prices and insurance premiums by breaking this cycle. It will increase transparency in the drug pricing process, protect local pharmacies from unfair reimbursement policies, and ensure that PBMs focus on serving patients rather than padding their own bottom line. This isn’t a partisan issue, it’s about standing up for patients, small businesses, and taxpayers. That’s why I’m proud to have co-led this effort with a strong bipartisan coalition, including Reps. Nannette Barragán (D-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Rick Allen (R-GA), and Donald Norcross (D-NJ). Together, we are committed to ensuring that every American has access to affordable prescription medications without being exploited by middlemen. Congress must act now to pass the DRUG Act and stop PBMs egregious, profiteering opaque practices. Iowans and all Americans deserve a system that prioritizes transparency, fairness, and affordability. I will continue fighting to make that a reality. Representing Iowa's First District Had an amazing time on the Washington Main Street Tour! I met with local businesses, city leaders, and constituents to discuss protecting vital tax policies for small businesses and families in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, no tax on tips, and revitalizing downtowns. Had a great time at the Lee County Veteran’s Coffee and Conversation. We discussed key issues like healthcare access, mental health support, and the ongoing need to prioritize veterans' needs. As a 24-year Army veteran, I’ll continue fighting to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. I visited the Middle River Friends Church Food Pantry in Warren County. This ministry reflects the church's passion and dedication to serving the entire community, and their commitment to helping those in need is truly inspirational. Visited the Food Bank of Iowa’s distribution center and was proud to lend a hand. Their work fighting hunger across our state is making a real impact, and it’s an honor to support their efforts. Had a wonderful visit to Nordex's state-of-the-art training facilities in West Branch, IA! It's inspiring to see how they provide top-notch training and competitive pay in the energy sector, ensuring that good jobs stay right here in Iowa. Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Visit My Website ### Rep. Miller-Meeks | 504 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice