What’s harder: getting pharma to stop profiteering during a pandemic or Wordle now that The New York Times owns it?
Welcome to the Week in Review.
1. Lower Prices To Lower Costs
- As Democrats gear up for election season, Americans are struggling with rising costs. Lawmakers know they can deliver relief by lowering drug prices for patients by passing the drug price reforms from the Build Back Better Act through reconciliation. The drug pricing provisions have support from all 50 Democratic senators, and Senate Democrats resumed talks on a reconciliation package this week. It’s time for Congress to deliver on their promises to lower drug prices for millions of Americans across the country who can’t afford their medications. Patients are counting on them. — (The Hill)
2. The Maine Issue: Drug Unaffordability
- On Tuesday, patient advocate Sabrina Fuhrer testified during a Maine state legislature hearing in support of a bill that would curb pharmaceutical price gouging by tying drug prices in Maine to prices in neighboring Canada. Sabrina, who has a son living with type 1 diabetes, shared her family’s experience with high drug prices and urged the legislature to act to lower prices for Mainers. “Bringing prices for Mainers in line with what Canada pays would provide relief to so many families like mine who are struggling to make ends meet,” Sabrina said. “I urge you to support LD 1636 to protect my family, my patients, and fellow Mainers from the burden of high drug prices.” — (Sun Journal)
3. States’ Focus On Pharma
- In addition to federal action to hold Big Pharma accountable, patients need state lawmakers to pass legislation that lowers drug prices. A Boston Globe editorial this week calls on the Massachusetts House to follow the state Senate’s lead and pass a bill that would increase drug price transparency and cap insulin copays. In New Jersey, Gov. Murphy announced his support for several bills that would cap out-of-pocket costs for some medications — but patients need lawmakers to go further and directly address high prices by creating a prescription drug affordability board. States must hold Big Pharma accountable for its abusive pricing practices. — (The Boston Globe, Asbury Park Press)