Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar on Thursday met with Republican lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee to discuss ways to lower drug prices.
President Trump
Donald TrumpIran convicts American businessman on spying charge: report DC, state capitals see few issues, heavy security amid protest worries Pardon-seekers have paid Trump allies tens of thousands to lobby president: NYT MORE has railed against drug prices and his administration has rolled out a series of actions seeking to lower prices, though many say the moves have been relatively modest.
House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady
Kevin Patrick BradyGrowing number of lawmakers test positive for COVID-19 after Capitol siege Overnight Health Care: US sets record for daily COVID-19 deaths with over 3,800 | Hospitals say vaccinations should be moving faster | Brazilian health officials say Chinese COVID vaccine 78 percent effective The Hill's Morning Report - A dark day as Trump embraces 'special' rioters MORE (R-Texas) said that Azar gave lawmakers an update on steps the administration has taken on drug prices and “We talked about what steps can Congress take to help lower these prices as well.”
Asked if he expected more administrative actions to be announced in the near future, Brady said, “The answer is yes.”
Rep. Tom Reed
Tom ReedThe Hill's 12:30 Report: House moves toward second impeachment LIVE COVERAGE: House votes to impeach Trump after Capitol insurrection GOP lawmakers introduce resolution to censure Trump over Capitol riot MORE (R-N.Y.), who was also in the meeting, said that the group did not “directly” discuss specific legislation on drug prices but there was a “conversation” about areas where the administration could need additional authority from Congress.
Democrats have criticized the administration’s steps so far as not going anywhere near far enough on drug pricing, leaving out more sweeping actions like allowing Medicare to negotiate prices.
The administration has made announcements with potential to bring changes, such as forming a working group to explore importing drugs from abroad to lower prices on old, off-patent drugs with high prices.
Officials have also floated a move to eliminate or reform discounts known as rebates that drug companies pay to negotiators, in an effort to simplify the system and lower sticker prices.
Lawmakers discussed rebates with Azar on Thursday, though Reed said there were some sensitivities that limited discussion of a proposed regulation on that subject, given the ongoing regulatory process.
