While his proposals seem to go against the GOP’s pro-Big Pharma drug policies, populist Donald Trump is right to go all in on drug price reform.
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 how Donald Trump is going all in on drug price reform. While his proposals seem to go against the GOP’s pro-Big Pharma drug policies, our populist president is right.
Key Takeaways:
Donald Trump has now issued two executive orders on drug price reform.
His first was well thought out and comprehensive. It promises to hit all areas in need of reform.
His second order seeks to establish most favored nation (MFN) pricing across all lines of business.
This could be a seminal event in drug price reform and healthcare reform overall. It is a populist move.
The Medicare drug price law was a good start but savings were small and Americans would have to wait many years for real relief.
MFN pricing would give Americans the lowest price of any other developed nation. Right now Americans pay manyfold more.
There is some doubt that Trump alone has the authority to implement this. And there are other challenges as well.
Congress likely will act on his other drug reform measures, but implementing MFN is unknown because GOP lawmakers traditionally have been lap dogs for Big Pharma.
But populist and anti-corporate-greed sentiment is taking hold in the party.
Regardless of major roadblocks, the public policy debate is critical and I think Trump can build some legislative and other consensus on the issue.
There is no reason why private healthcare in America could not leverage a national drug net price list across lines of business.
I think we can craft a middle ground that ensures reasonable access to innovator drugs and affordability.
The status quo means America will continue to have higher morbidity and mortality.
I like the no-holds-barred, mixed-martial-arts Donald Trump on drug price reform and he should press on.
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Resources
The Healthcare Labyrinth: A Guide to Navigating Health Plans and Fixing American Health Insurance
