Prescription drug costs continue to be a major concern for patients, employers and policymakers. But solving this problem is tricky, and many state policies have unintended consequences – price controls cause shortages and programs aimed at helping patient often end up simply benefiting institutions. This event will examine how federal and state drug pricing rules shape incentives across the health care system – and why some of the most prominent programs may be raising costs and reducing transparency rather than helping patients.
The federal 340B drug pricing program allows certain hospitals to purchase discounted drugs while charging patients and insurers full price. But does this benefit patients? Michigan and other states are considering bills to turbocharge the program even though the evidence suggests it isn’t being used as intended. What role should the state play when it comes to manufacturers, hospitals and pharmacists?
Michigan needs to make drug policy work for patients, not institutions. This event will discuss the trade-offs in health care policy. Panelists will discuss ways to make the drug market more competitive and transparent, reduce reliance on government favoritism, and lower costs — without having the state picking winners and losers in health care.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Lunch: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Program: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch is Included
The Louie Building (6th floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI, 48933
Call our Events office at
Event is free, but RSVP is necessary by March 12.
Register online
Lisa Grabert, M.P.H., PH.D., is a visiting professor at Marquette University, where she teaches health policy and focuses her research on post-hospitalization issues within the Medicare program. Her work examines reimbursement policy and the impact of federal decisions on the quality and cost of care delivered in nursing homes, home health, and specialized rehabilitation and critical care hospitals. Prior to joining Marquette, she served as a senior aide on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, a senior analyst at the American Hospital Association and a senior program manager at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. She holds a Master of Public Health from Emory University and has received national recognition for her bipartisan policy leadership and influence on Capitol Hill.
David Worthams is the director of employment policy at the Michigan Manufacturers Association. He has held senior policy and government affairs roles in state and local government, associations, and the Legislature, leading lobbying efforts on health care, talent development, and workplace policy. Dave has also served in numerous civic leadership roles, including chairing state boards and commissions and leading statewide service organizations. A graduate of Western Michigan University and Purdue University Global, he is a lifelong resident of southwest Michigan.
Bret Jackson is president and CEO of the Economic Alliance for Michigan, a nonprofit coalition of businesses and unions focused on growing Michigan’s economy and strengthening competitiveness. He joined EAM in 2007, became vice president in 2010, and president in 2011. A health policy expert, Bret has led initiatives to reduce healthcare costs through reforms such as price transparency, surprise billing protections and patient safety improvements. He serves in national leadership roles with healthcare purchaser coalitions and The Leapfrog Group. A Michigan State University graduate, Bret also chairs the United States Curling Association and serves on several national advisory committees.
