Trump Strikes New Drug Deals
Nine additional pharmaceutical companies will offer significant drug price concessions, including agreeing to introduce new drugs at most-favored nation (MFN) pricing and extending such lower costs to the Medicaid program. The nine new companies represent mid-size biotech and drug companies.
The new agreements with the Trump administration mirror earlier deals, including selling at discounts on the TrumpRx website. A Harvard Medical School and Urban Institute analysis estimates the Medicaid program could save states more than $8 billion annually if applied to 82 high-cost brand-name drugs.
The companies will not be subjected to MFN in Medicare (at least immediately) or new tariffs. They too will invest in America and provide active ingredients directly to the U.S.
The White House says the 26 companies so far represent 90% of the domestic pharmaceutical market. It also took credit for prescription drug prices falling 3.1% over the 12 months ending in July, the steepest annual drop in more than six decades. While critics have criticized the deals, there is little doubt that President Trump has done more for lowering drug costs than other presidents:
- His drug discounts with companies
- Medicaid MFN discounts
- MFN new drug introductions
- Medicare MFN pilots
- Enhanced Medicare drug negotiations
While I support the overall program, it is important to accelerate savings in both Medicare and introduce lower prices in the commercial world.
Additional articles: https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/white-house-unveils-next-round-mfn-pricing-deals-9-midsized-drugmakers and https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-trump-medicaid-drug-price-deals/ and https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/6061821-trump-medicaid-drug-pricing/
#drugpricing #branddrugmakers #trump #trumprx #medicaid #medicare
Healthcare Key Issue In Midterms
As the midterms heat up, healthcare costs are a top issue on voters’ minds. A July healthcare policy group KFF poll finds that more than half of voters say healthcare costs are extremely important for candidates to discuss.
Among the issues being debated on the campaign trail:
- The expiration of the enhanced subsidies in the Exchanges. Democrats are using the issue of exploding premiums against Republicans in a number of races.
- Democrats, too, are criticizing Republicans for passing major Medicaid reductions and work requirements.
- Medicare for All is a theme in the Michigan Senate race, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, MD, is a believer. Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson backs it as well. Democratic Senate candidate James Tallarico in Texas wants anyone to be able to buy into a public option Medicare plan.
- Candidates are also backing efforts to reduce the effects of vertical integration.
- Reining in AI in healthcare decision-making.
#healthcare #coverage #elections2026
— Marc S. Ryan
