Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Perspectives: Importing Drugs From Canada; Oklahoma Bill Targets Costs
Duluth News Tribune: Canada Not The Solution To Costly Prescription Drugs
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada and the U.S. have worked together to keep North Americans safe. We have teamed up on treatments, trials, and testing; ensured production of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies; kept shelves stocked; and dealt with shortages of essential and critical care medications. Even before COVID-19, Canadians and Americans on both sides of the border worried about medication shortages and rising costs. (Ariel Delouya, 3/5)
The Oklahoman: Lower Prescription Costs Essential To Better Health Outcomes
SB 734 will lower the costs of prescription drugs in this state by tens of millions of dollars. It will result in lower out-of-pocket expenses, reduced insurance premiums and huge savings for taxpayers. As former President Donald Trump recognized when he made a similar proposal, it is unfair that we pay more for the same drugs than the citizens of other countries. Drug manufacturers charge Americans more, and then subsidize health care for people in other countries, like Canada, where drugs cost 200% less on average than they do in the U.S. For example, the arthritis drug Humira is $2,442 in Oklahoma, versus $564 in Canada. The authors claim the bill will result in rationing, but health care is already rationed when Oklahomans can’t afford the drugs they need because drug companies inflate prices in the United States so they can sell them cheaper in Canada. (Republican Oklahoma Sen. Greg McCortney, 3/7)
The Virginian-Pilot: Too Many Medicines Can Be Its Own Medical Hazard
The pandemic has driven many of us to watch more television including the accompanying onslaught of drug advertisements, thanks to the FDA’s approval of direct- to-consumer advertising. Skyrizi (risankizumab) is being heavily marketed for moderate to severe psoriasis. My fear is that those with milder psoriasis, which readily responds to inexpensive topical steroid creams, will want to use Skyrizi too. What’s the problem? The retail cost of the drug is $40,477 for an injection every three months. If the price is not enough to scare you away, the list of possible side effects, including serious infections, should be. (Dr. Bob Newman, 3/8)
