State Lawmakers Introduce "Cole Act" Aimed at Reforming Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Thursday, March 6th, 2025 -- 10:01 AM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) Republican lawmakers introduce “Cole Act” aimed at reforming pharmacy benefit managers.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, the legislation authored by Dodgeville Representative Todd Novak and Senate President Mary Felzkowski is named after Cole Schmidtknecht, who died from an asthma attack after he couldn’t afford his inhaler when the out-of-pocket price increased nearly $500.

Larry Crowley, a pharmacist in south central Wisconsin, says he’s witnessed patients facing exorbitant copays for medications they cannot afford and they’re forced into impossible decisions about their health.

Novak and Felzkowski say the legislation will lower drug costs, increase transparency, and increase pharmacy access and safety.

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