Clock is Ticking on Legislation that Would Reform How Pharmacy Benefit Managers Protect Patients from Sudden Drug Cost Hikes

Monday, January 12th, 2026 -- 12:01 PM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) The clock is running on legislation that would reform how pharmacy benefit managers operate and protect patients from sudden drug cost hikes.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, Bill Schmidtknecht’s 22-year-old son Cole died after a PBM copay accumulator drove the price of his asthma inhaler to $500, which he was unable to afford.

During a Capitol press conference on Thursday, Schmidtknecht said for patients with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or mental health conditions, a delay in getting medication is a serious safety risk.

The legislation requires PBMs to allow patients to use any licensed pharmacy without facing penalties. It also requires PBMs to pay pharmacists a dispensing fee at least equal to what the state pays through Medicaid.

The Senate version cleared a committee on a unanimous vote in August, but the bill hasn’t had a hearing in the Assembly. Rob Gunderman is with Wisconsin All Copays Count said they want to get an Assembly hearing in January and to get the bill out of committee so there’s an opportunity to get it to the floor.

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