'We're very much eliminating the middlemen.' Trump outlines plan to lower prescription drug costs.

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NEWS UPDATE

Trump Takes Aim at PBMs in Drug Pricing Speech

The president outlined his plan to lower prescription drug costs and aid low-income Americans by reshaping Medicare and boosting competition. 

  • "We're very much eliminating the middlemen," Trump said. "They won't be so rich anymore."
  • HHS Secretary Alex Azar said the administration has 50 relevant policy proposals in the works, though some are longer-term projects.
  • Consistent with his "America First" philosophy, Trump said it's time to end 'global freeloading.'
Trump's Drug Pricing Plan Praised, Panned, Parsed
Stakeholders said they appreciate the administration's vow to tackle rising drug costs, but they want to hear the specifics on when, where, and how these initiatives will be implemented.
What's in Trump's 'American Patients First' Plan?
The two-phase blueprint includes actions Trump 'may direct HHS to take immediately' and other items under consideration for the future.
Price Hikes Tracked for Top 10 ER Drugs
IBM Watson compiles price fluctuation data over the past decade in the wholesale acquisition costs for the 10 most-frequently administered emergency department drugs.
Why Did Novartis Pay Trump’s Lawyer $1.2 Million? Look At Its Drug Prices
Hiring the president’s personal attorney matches a history of aggressively courting government officials by a corporation with much to lose in the debate over high drug prices.