Non-Legislative and Legislative Actions Could Reduce High Prescription Drug Prices

Reducing prescription drug prices in the United States continues to be a point of contention. Although legislative measures are expected to be proposed at the federal level, some policies might fall outside of legislation due to budget reconciliation regulations. When and how these non-legislative measures will take place remains uncertain.

“The administration might need to use CMS’ innovation center to test using an independent board to assess drug value. Obamacare created the quasi-governmental Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, but the law prohibited PCORI from comparing products and procedures based on cost. One idea is to waive that prohibition, or HHS could create a separate entity, or HHS could look to existing private entities, such as the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review.” Read more here.

(Source: John Wilkerson, Inside Health Policy, 4/23/21)