The Health Policy War Room

On June 22, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee released his own set of “principles” for lowering prescription drug prices. Characterized as a step toward “comprehensive legislation” on the matter, the principles are said to guide Wyden’s work during the summer months with the ultimate goal of delivering relief from high prescription drug prices. Wyden’s principles largely reflect the concepts that have been widely circulated as parts of many prior statements on reducing drug prices. Medicare negotiation, limiting out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter, controlling price increases for older drugs, and rewarding innovation are concepts that have been debated at length in the past. Wyden also suggests that any drug pricing proposals should apply to all Americans – not just those covered by Medicare. Acknowledging the work already done by the Senate Finance Committee, Wyden’s goal is to develop a legislative package, with bipartisan support, that can ...