Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Perspectives: Trump's Drug-Pricing Plan Will Harm Patients
Austin American-Statesman: Trump's Plan To Fix Drug Prices Would Create New Problems For Patients
In a flurry of executive orders last month aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, President Donald Trump issued what he called a “favored nations” rule, which would link the amount Americans will pay for certain pharmaceutical therapies to prices in other countries. But at the same time, he promised to abandon the plan if anyone came to him with something better. Well, I’m a senior citizen who could be directly affected by this pricing scheme, and I say someone should send a new idea to the Oval Office — because this one isn’t right for older Americans or anyone with a serious health condition. (Miriam Nisenbaum, 8/16)
Fredericksburg.com: Trump’s RX Pricing Order Will Have Unintended Consequences
President Trump has signed an executive order that aims to tackle U.S. prescription drug spending, but won’t implement it until the public—including private sector drug makers—can comment. The order pegs the prices of certain drugs covered by Medicare to the lower prices paid in other developed countries, whose governments impose strict price controls.The order might save the federal government some money—at least temporarily—but at great expense to patients and long-term scientific progress. (George Landrith, 8/15)
The Daily Sentinel: Drug Price Executive Order Could Risk Colorado's Health And Economy
On July 24, the president signed three executive orders regarding prescription medicine pricing and a fourth is pending. The one order left unsigned for the moment regards so-called International Reference Pricing which would set federal government controls on certain prescription medicines based on an average of prices from select foreign countries. The concept of international reference pricing is grotesquely flawed and could seriously jeopardize the health and economy of Colorado. (Brad McCloud and Jennifer Churchfield, 8/14)
Also —
Lancasteronline.com: Pharmacy Benefit Managers Are Crucial
As the business manager of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 23, I spend a fair amount of time working with our union members to make sure they can access the health benefits they’ve earned. I hear from them frequently about their concerns on the rising costs of health care, especially their worries about rising drug prices. For over 50 years, we have fought to protect the dignity and well-being of our workers. Local 23 represents workers in 18 counties — from the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line to State College — and we have always made sure that the well-being of our workers comes first, no matter the circumstance. (Bill McGee, 8/15)
The Oklahoman: Health Care Middlemen Driving Up Prescription Drug Prices
Oklahomans are concerned about the cost of prescription drugs. They should be. Total spending reached an eye-popping $335 billion in 2018, an all-time high. Now, as the pandemic leaves millions without jobs or health care, it’s more important than ever to tackle the problem. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) were created to negotiate lower drug prices on behalf of insurance programs, including Medicare, and pass the savings on to consumers. Over time, the largest PBMs merged with the largest pharmacy chains and insurance companies, creating near-monopolies that use strongarm tactics to crowd out smaller competitors and restrict consumer choices. (Debra Billingsley and Douglas Hoey, 8/18)
