Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Perspectives: Whistleblowers Ensure Drug Companies Play By The Rules
Newsweek: Whistleblowers Are Key To Reining In Prescription Drug Costs
We are well past the time for figuring out how to tackle or at least temper the ever-escalating prices of our prescription drugs. Expanding the inflation rebate to Medicare offers at least one potential safeguard to keep drug pricing in check—so do whistleblowers. (Gordon Schnell and Max Voldman, 3/17)
The Morning Call: Prescription Prices: Give Medicare Power To Negotiate
Prescription drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them. As someone who is affected by the shockingly high cost of prescription drugs that is only getting higher, I’m grateful to see Congresswoman Susan Wild speaking out about this issue. Recently, Wild, D-7th District, and 39 other House Democrats — including several from Pennsylvania — signed a letter calling on Congressional leadership to take immediate action and pass legislation that will give Medicare the power to negotiate the price of prescription drugs and bring down the high cost of medications for all Americans. (Donna Bowers, 3/22)
The CT Mirror: Fix Connecticut Prescription Costs In Ways That Help People Directly
Rarely in our history has the power of science and innovation to keep our communities safe and healthy been in such clear focus. And while vaccines have been grabbing headlines, for those of us in public health, we know that access to preventative treatments and medications is the best way to keep our population healthy and living full, productive lives. (Dawn Hocevar, 3/18)
The Star Tribune: Bill Would Bring Relief On Drug Costs
More Minnesotans than ever rely on prescription drugs to manage diseases that once were fatal or debilitating. These drugs can be lifesaving, but often come with price tags that can prove disruptive to care. One study found 4 out of 10 cancer patients abandon their treatment when it costs more than $2,000.As a small-business owner in Bemidji and a health care provider in Rochester, we understand the different sides of these challenges. What brings us together today is our enthusiasm for a legislative proposal that makes drug costs more manageable for some Minnesotans without hurting coverage for others. (Tom Vanderwal and Andrew Herber, 3/22)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Time I Bought Marijuana For My Son In A Petco Parking Lot
Back during my son’s two-year fight against an aggressive bone cancer, he was continually devastated by chemo treatments and the ensuing nausea. The doctors were always chasing that nausea, prescribing one drug after another for relief, a routine that was very hit and miss. Often miss. It was a hellish existence for Michael and very dire for my wife and I who had to helplessly watch our child suffer so miserably. (Bill Torpy, 3/23)
