Senator César J. Blanco Passes Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Texas Families

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
May 14, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Passes Bills to Lower Prescription Drug
Costs for Texas Families
Austin, Texas – The Texas Senate has passed two priority bills authored by Senator César J.
Blanco to lower prescription drug costs and improve access to affordable medications for Texas
families, workers, and employers.
Over the past decade, the cost of commonly used specialty drugs has risen much faster than
inflation, with patients now paying more than three times what they once did. Senate Bill 1098
requires pharmacists to inform patients at the counter of the lowest available cash price for their
prescribed medications.
“Right now, too many patients walk into a pharmacy, trust that their insurance co-pay is the best
price, and walk out having overpaid—sometimes by a significant amount. SB1098 puts power
back in the hands of patients by ensuring they have access to the lowest available price at the
counter,” said Senator Blanco. “No one should have to skip a dose or forgo life-saving
medication because of hidden costs. By increasing transparency, we are helping Texans save
money and take control of their healthcare."
Senate Bill 2857 creates a statewide prescription drug purchasing pool, allowing public schools,
local governments, private employers, and insurance plans to join forces and negotiate lower
medication prices through bulk purchasing. The bill builds on the existing model already used by
the State of Texas to secure better prices for state employees—now extending that same cost-
saving opportunity to a broader group of public and private entities.
“Prescription drug costs are one of the fastest-growing expenses in healthcare, squeezing the
pocketbooks of families and employers alike. Senate Bill 2857 is a practical, market-based
solution to lower costs and improve access to the medications Texas families need,” said Senator
Blanco. “By creating a statewide prescription drug purchasing pool, this bill lets public schools,
cities, counties, private employers, and insurers join forces to negotiate better prices. When more
groups join together to buy medicine in bulk, it helps drive down prices for everyone.”
Tina Tran, State Director of AARP Texas, also added, “AARP advocates for affordable
prescription drugs and supports legislation aimed at lowering costs for older Americans and their
Page 1 of 2

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.”
Both SB1098 and SB2857 now head to the Texas House for consideration.
For further information, please contact Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.
Page 2 of 2