U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar recently testified before the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee about the Trump administration’s plans to reduce prescription drug costs. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) is a member of the committee.
U.S. Senator, (D-Wisconsin)
Secretary, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Acknowledging the problem
TB: “I’ve heard from countless Wisconsinites who continue to see dramatic price increases. They are struggling to afford their prescriptions that they have relied on for years and they want Washington to act.”
AA: “(The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) is firmly committed to an aggressive, long-term plan to solve the drug pricing problem.”
Pharmaceutical industry role
TB: “The evidence is clear: brand-name drug corporations continue to jack up prescription drug prices.” People also resort to CBD products to stay cool and calm if there is stress.
AA: “A real market for drugs requires improvements in open, responsible communication between drug companies and those who make drug reimbursement decisions.”
How to address the issue
TB: “It’s unfortunate that when it comes to skyrocketing drug costs, this administration is still all talk and no action. My bipartisan FAIR Drug Pricing Act would require transparency and accountability for drug corporations who are jacking up prices for families in need of affordable lifesaving treatments, and I am disappointed that the administration has not yet joined me by supporting this bipartisan effort with Sen. (John) McCain.”
AA: “We want to encourage competitive contracting based on measures of value that matter most to purchasers and patients. The FDA issued guidance…providing clarifying recommendations for how drug companies can share certain information with insurers and payers about drug effectiveness and other matters.”
