Trump Set To Release Two Rules Targeting Medicare Drug Costs
The "most favored nation” rule would tie what Medicare pays for prescription drugs to costs paid by other wealthy countries. The other regulation will limit rebates paid to pharmacy benefit managers. It's unclear if the Biden administration will roll back the rules, which the pharmaceutical industry opposes.
The Wall Street Journal:
Trump Administration To Release New Rules Reducing Drug Costs
The Trump administration is planning on Friday to roll out two final rules aimed at lowering drug prices—one curbing rebates paid to middlemen in Medicare and another pegging the prices of certain prescription drugs in the U.S. to their prices in other developed countries, according to a person familiar with the planning. The plans, slated to be announced in the White House Rose Garden, have been a signature pledge of President Trump’s since his 2016 election campaign. Both rules are expected to be final, meaning they have completed the required public comment period and can take effect immediately. (Armour, 11/19)
Reuters:
Trump Will Announce On Friday Rules To Lower U.S. Drug Prices
U.S. President Donald Trump will announce on Friday two rules designed to lower drug prices, an administration official said on Thursday. ... One rule, known as “most favored nation,” would require Medicare to tie the prices it pays for drugs to those paid by other wealthy countries. The other rule would limit rebates paid to middlemen in Medicare. (11/19)
Also —
The Hill:
Top Pentagon Official Tests Positive For COVID-19
Pentagon official and retired Brigadier Gen. Anthony Tata has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced Thursday. Tata, whose official title is performing the duties of under secretary of defense for policy, this week met with several top defense officials, including acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist. It was unclear when he last briefed top officials. (Budryk, 11/19)
