I’m writing to express my concern about the recent announcement of the 10 drugs now available to be negotiated under Medicare. My father suffers from heart disease, and as his caregiver, I want to do everything I can to help him get better.
As our government enacts price-setting policies, it could hamper lifesaving innovation. Even if these measures lower some costs, it will mean nothing to patients like my father, who might not be able to receive the care they need. Instead, I hope lawmakers focus on bipartisan solutions that root out the bad actors who leave us with outrageous out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter.
Health care groups like pharmacy benefit managers have flown under the radar for too long. As they negotiate prices between drug manufacturers, big chain pharmacies and insurance companies, PBMs often obtain rebates and savings on prescription medications. But, despite saying they will pass them down to customers, they retain these discounts to boost their profit and block patients from applying these savings to their medications.
I encourage Congress to put price setting by the wayside and focus on the commonsense plans that may help families across our state. Now is the time to hold these middlemen accountable, and by doing so, Delaware’s leaders can ensure more people across our state access the treatment they need.
Steve Garrett
Middletown
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
