Hawley seems to ally with Democrats in new drug value plan push

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has launched laws aimed toward slicing drug prices, however the laws aligns him extra with Senate Democrats than the GOP on the matter.

Hawley says the 2 items of laws will "put Massive Pharma on discover" and proceed his latest push to cap drug prices amid inflation.

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“Our prescription drug market is rigged in favor of Massive Pharma and Massive Insurance coverage, and sufferers are paying the worth. Individuals foot the invoice for the most expensive prescription drug costs on the planet — all whereas middlemen negotiate backroom offers to extract monetary kickbacks that drive costs additional up and forestall lower-cost options,” Hawley stated in an announcement. 

“These circumstances inflate costs, pressure the budgets of American households, and create unacceptable obstacles to care. It’s time to cease subsidizing decrease drug prices for foreigners, finish Massive Insurance coverage’s pay-to-play scheme, and put American sufferers first,” he added.

The Truthful Prescription Drug Costs for Individuals Act would require pharmaceutical firms to promote medicine within the U.S. at a fee at or lower than the common value of the drug in G-7 nations, which incorporates Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the UK. Drug firms could be topic to fines in the event that they promote medicine above the common value.

The Ending the Prescription Drug Kickback Act of 2023 wouldn't permit prescription drug rebates for federal or personal medical insurance plans. Hawley's workplace stated it could "restore transparency and equity to the prescription drug market."

The Senate GOP tends to not help laws capping drug costs, with solely seven GOP senators, together with Hawley, voting for an modification to the Inflation Discount Act that might have capped insulin costs.

When requested what he plans to inform different Republican senators to garner help for the invoice, Hawley informed NBC News his colleagues ought to prioritize the individuals over pharmaceutical firms.

“So my pitch to my fellow Republicans is, hear, we should be for individuals, not for pharma. We should be about serving to sufferers be capable to get inexpensive costs. And I've no real interest in serving to pharma additional fleece these shoppers to line their very own pockets," Hawley stated.

He additionally informed the outlet he hopes help for these payments, and one other invoice capping insulin costs, shall be "bipartisan."