Can’t get behind foreign drug pricing to fix U.S. problems

Independent Newsmedia

President Trump is right about Americans paying more in drug costs than patients in any other country. I think the administration should keep calling out the dysfunction in our health care system, but I can’t get behind the idea of importing other countries’ drug prices as a solution.

That would just increase our dependence on other countries while failing to ensure patients are getting the savings they need.

I’ve experienced this problem firsthand as a diabetic who went through a severe case of COVID-19, which led to a lengthy stay at the hospital. I take insulin daily and must monitor my glucose closely to avoid long-term complications.

Managing two chronic conditions has made me even more aware of the importance of accessibility and transparency in the health care system.

Instead of just tying drug prices to what other countries pay, I think the better solution would be to target the bad actors in our health care system that are driving up costs for patients. That includes many of the hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program that get massive discounts on prescription medications directly from manufacturers but fail to pass those savings down.

While I appreciate the president’s attempt to draw attention to the unfair prices patients in the U.S. pay for the medications they need, I think reforming the 340B program and holding these hospitals accountable is a more effective way to address this issue. Hopefully, he can work with Congress to make PBM reform a reality this year.

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