In Texas, we believe in taking care of one another — especially our seniors, working families, and those living on fixed incomes. But too many of our neighbors are being forced to make impossible choices: pay for groceries or pay for their prescriptions.
This isn’t just a one-time dilemma. For countless Texans, it’s an everyday struggle. Rising costs have turned a basic need into a source of anxiety. Many live in fear of what their next refill will cost — and whether they’ll have to go without. No one should have to skip life-saving medicine because they can’t afford it.
Unfortunately, the problem goes far beyond individual choices. Skyrocketing drug prices are part of a broken system. Even though Texas is one of the largest states in the country, we lack the tools to negotiate better prices. Meanwhile, patients often don’t even know they’re overpaying at the pharmacy counter.
Prescription drug prices in the U.S. remain among the highest in the world. While pharmaceutical companies continue to hike prices, everyday Texans are left picking up the tab. And this isn’t just a pocketbook issue. It’s a public health crisis. When people can’t afford their medications, they’re more likely to get sicker, miss work, visit emergency rooms, and face long-term health consequences. That puts more pressure on families, hospitals, and taxpayers alike. That is why I’m making lowering prescription drug costs a top priority this legislative session and have filed legislation to increase transparency and give Texans real bargaining power at the pharmacy counter:
- SB 1098: Across our state, patients walk into pharmacies assuming their insurance co- pay gives them the best deal, only to walk out having overpaid. This bill puts patients first by requiring pharmacists to tell you the lowest available price for your prescription at the pharmacy counter, so you can make the most affordable choice, every time.
- SB 2857: Small businesses, school districts, and local governments are also feeling the squeeze as drug prices continue to rise. This bill creates a statewide prescription drug purchasing pool, allowing cities, counties, school districts, private employers, and insurers to negotiate lower prices together. When more groups join together to buy medicine in bulk, it helps drive down prices for everyone.
These are practical, people-first solutions that reflect what Texans need, which is more control over their healthcare and more money in their pockets.
We’re not alone in this fight. Organizations like AARP Texas are standing with us to push for meaningful change. As Tina Tran, state director of AARP Texas, put it: “AARP advocates for affordable prescription drugs and supports legislation aimed at lowering costs for older Americans and their families. At the Texas Legislature, AARP Texas is proud to work with leaders like Sen. César Blanco. He is helping to champion the fight for affordable medicine on a number of fronts, including sponsoring AARP-backed measures to rein in drug costs through bulk purchasing agreements and legislation that would ensure that consumers are told at the pharmacy counter about lower-cost options for the medications they buy. AARP Texas appreciates Senator Blanco’s public service and remains committed to working to lower prescription drug costs to ensure that older Texans and others have access to affordable medications.”
If we want to reduce medical debt, support our aging population, and keep Texans healthy and working, we must treat prescription affordability as the urgent infrastructure issue it is. I look forward to delivering real relief for families in El Paso, the Permian Basin, West Texas, and across the state. Texans deserve to take their medicine without draining their bank account and I am committed to getting it done.
When we invest in affordable health care, we invest in Texas. Let’s get it done!
