The President has already made some good policy decisions and has offered other proposals that will help to lower drug costs.
Stealing Patents Won’t Bring Down Drug Costs
On February 15, 2018, 18 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, asking him to use his authority under 28 U.S.C. §1498 to issue a compulsory license on patents for drugs that treat hepatitis C. In other words, they are demanding that the government steal a […]
A Moment of Truth: Will Virginia Republicans Expand Medicaid?
On April 11, 2018, Virginia legislators will return to Richmond for a special session in which they will aim to finish work on the Commonwealth’s budget. At center stage, yet again, is the issue of Medicaid expansion, still unresolved eight years after Obamacare became law. Medicaid is a deeply flawed program that was meant to […]
Any Willing Pharmacy – Not as Good as it Sounds
On November 28, 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule that would revise Medicare Part D, the prescription drug program. The proposal dredges up the “any willing pharmacy” issue that would require any Part D plan sponsor, such as an insurer or a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), to allow […]
The VA Scandal Refuses to End
Countless investigations over the past decade have exposed a systemic cancer of mismanagement, neglect, and failure at the VA.
Trump Administration to Allow States to Establish Work Requirements for Medicaid
Since its establishment in 1965, the federal government and the states have jointly administered Medicaid. The program’s characteristics and logistics vary from state to state, and there is always some give-and-take between the states and the feds. States want more flexibility; the federal government wants to make sure states are complying with the law. One […]
Maine’s Fiscal Future Tied to Medicaid Expansion
On November 7, 2017, Mainers will head to the polls to vote on four ballot measures, including Question 2, which would expand Medicaid in the state to cover able-bodied adults without children whose income is equal to or less than 138 percent of the federal poverty line. In an off-year election, not many will vote; […]
Another Dumb Idea from Democrats on Drug Costs
Today, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), held a press conference to engage in their usual screed against pharmaceutical companies and provide a “solution” to lower drug costs in Medicare Part D. Rep. […]
Cook County Soda Tax Repealed After Only Two Months in Effect
When politicians decide to tax something new, taxpayers rarely see the end of it. This adage is especially true of so-called “sin taxes,” levies on products like alcohol, tobacco, and, increasingly, soda. Those in government always appreciate more money, and politicians like beating up on unpopular industries. It’s a two-pronged argument: you shouldn’t be buying […]
Welcome to Medicare … or not
Individuals who are not on Social Security at age 65 are supposed to sign up for Medicare anytime between three months before their 65th birthday and three months thereafter. I turn 65 on January 9, 2018, and thought I should get an early start by checking everything out exactly three months before that date. After […]