Updates About Public Health

On October 3, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive focused on lowering the cost of insulin.

Under the Directive, Governor Whitmer tasked various Michigan departments and agencies with determining the feasibility of lowering costs and taking action on holding drug companies accountable. State of Michigan departments are to search for options to reduce insulin costs, which include the development of lower-cost products and the establishment of manufacturing facilities to produce insulin in Michigan.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also voiced support for better access to insulin. Previously, her department took legal action in January to enforce the Michigan Consumer Protection Act against drug companies which she claims, “has been wrongly interpreted for too long.” The act prohibits unfair and deceptive practices such as raising the pricing of certain drugs. Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, commented on how reducing the cost of insulin will help improve the health of residents since high prices of insulin make access to care difficult to those who are trying to manage diabetes.

Prior to the Governor’s Executive Order, Senator Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) introduced two different resolutions urging Governor Whitmer and different state departments to take action to make insulin more accessible and affordable. Senate Resolution 170 was adopted by the Senate on September 28. Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 was referred to the Committee on Health Policy and Human Services.

912,794 Michiganders have been diagnosed with diabetes and have more than twice the medical expenses than those who do not suffer from the disease. The directive can be found here

On September 19, it was announced that pharmacists in Michigan are now able to prescribe self-administered hormonal birth control in partnership with doctors in the State of Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) issued a new interpretative statement clarifying that pharmacists can prescribe self-administered, hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, and the ring, under the delegation of a licensed physician in most circumstances.

This development comes after Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-05, instructing departments to increase protections for reproductive health care.

On September 22, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission.

The Commission, which was created under the Fiscal Year 2022-23 School Aid Budget, has been tasked with providing recommendations to strengthen the mental health of school-aged children and their families as well as reduce youth suicides. Members consist of individuals appointed by the Governor, as well as appointees recommended by the Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House, Senate Minority Leader, and House Minority Leader. Designees from the Department of Education, State Police, and Department of Health and Human Services also serve as members.

The appointees are not subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan State Senate.