The NPR Politics Podcast

After 30 Years, Here's Biden's Plan To Lower Drug Costs: Negotiate

Aug 30, 2023
Sydney Lupkin, NPR's pharmaceuticals correspondent, breaks down a pivotal moment in U.S. healthcare policy. The government can now negotiate Medicare drug prices, a move decades in the making. She discusses the ten drugs under negotiation and what that means for seniors facing high costs. The challenges ahead include pharmaceutical lobbying and potential legal battles. Furthermore, Lupkin analyzes how this initiative could sway upcoming elections and reshape public opinion on healthcare affordability. It's an enlightening conversation on a crucial topic.
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INSIGHT

Drug Price Negotiation: A Popular Policy

  • Negotiating prescription drug prices is a rare policy idea with near-universal support.
  • President Biden's announcement addresses this popular demand.
ANECDOTE

First 10 Drugs Targeted for Negotiation

  • President Biden announced the first 10 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations.
  • These include common medications for seniors like blood thinners, arthritis drugs, and cancer drugs.
INSIGHT

Lobbying's Impact on Drug Prices

  • Previous presidents failed to negotiate drug prices due to pharmaceutical industry lobbying.
  • This lobbying includes campaign contributions and influencing patient advocacy groups.
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