The second year of Medicare drug negotiations has kicked off with a list of the next 15 brand drugs subject to negotiations. What will Trump do now that he is back in office?
About The Podcast:
Millions of Americans feel confused and frustrated in their search for quality healthcare coverage.
Between out-of-control costs, countless inefficiencies, a lack of affordable universal access, and little focus on wellness and prevention, the system is clearly in dire need of change.
Hosted by healthcare policy and technology expert Marc S. Ryan, the Healthcare Labyrinth Podcast offers accessible, incisive deep dives on the most pressing issues and events in American healthcare.
Marc seeks to help Americans become wiser consumers and navigate the healthcare maze with more confidence and certainty through The Healthcare Labyrinth website and his book of the same name.
Marc is an unconventional Republican who believes that affordable universal access is a wise and prudent investment. He recommends common-sense solutions to reform American healthcare.
Tune in every week as Marc examines the latest developments in the space, offering analysis, insights, and predictions on the changing state of healthcare in America.
About The Episode:
On this episode, Marc discusses the second year of Medicare drug negotiations, which has just kicked off with a list of the next 15 drugs subject to negotiations. What will Trump do now that he is back in office?
Key Takeaways:
President Biden announced the next 15 drugs early while he was still in office.
10 drugs were negotiated in 2024 for 1/1/2026. These 15 drugs’ negotiated prices will take effect on 1/1/2027.
The combination of round 1 and round 2 drugs means over a third of total gross covered prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D will already have been subject to negotiation.
Round 2 drugs cover many major disease states seen in Medicare.
Round 1 saw drug costs drop on average 22%. This is better than other government program prices, but prices remain well above other developed nations.
The program needs to mature over time.
Trump has been sympathetic on drug prices and proposed price reduction proposals as Trump 45.
In the election he went back and forth on what he would do if he won again.
In a blow to brand drug makers, he has announced the process will continue with stakeholder input and more transparency.
Trump has a great opportunity to further Medicare drug price negotiations by expanding and applying it to commercial and employer coverage as well.
Trump’s populism will likely prevail over his somewhat friendlier relationship with Big Pharma.
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Resources
The Healthcare Labyrinth: A Guide to Navigating Health Plans and Fixing American Health Insurance
