Some drug policy experts praised the proposal as a strong first step, even though the changes would pertain just to the government’s two largest health insurance programs. “When it comes to the PBM claims of saving money through their rebate schemes, everyone’s going to realize the emperor wears no clothes.’’President Trump and Azar have made constraining drug prices a central piece of their health-care agenda. “Manufacturers have complete control over how drug prices are set. “If enacted, the proposed rule should lower prescription drug prices for patients in government programs and help those with the highest prescription drug costs most of all,’’ said David Mitchell, president of Patients for Affordable Drugs. Read moreDrugmakers may have to disclose prices of medicine in television adsTrump is set to unveil his plan to lower drug prices.

Source: Washington Post January 31, 2019 22:02 UTC