<Happening today, Congressional hearings with Pharma CEO's. First time in 60 years.
Why this hearing might actually matter: Both the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers have been pounding the issue of drug prices, albeit with some different proposals for addressing the problem. And the top Finance Committee members in each party, Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), just launched an investigation into insulin price increases. So it’s clear that lawmakers feel pressure to act — and, after the midterm elections, are keenly aware of the political risks of failing to do so with voters again going to the polls in 2020.
“The hearing demonstrates something of a political sea change in the willingness of members of Congress to really put pressure on big pharmaceutical manufacturers to become part of the solution and to answer for some of their anticompetitive and patent abuse tactics,” Jon Conradi, a spokesperson for the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, a coalition of physician organizations, hospital associations, health plans and other business groups, told Politico.
On the other hand, Jay Hancock at Kaiser Health News points out that Congress held similar hearings on drug prices 60 years ago. Yes, 60. “Health policy scholars say the similar hearings show just how much unfinished business remains and how well pharma companies have protected profits and limited regulation over the years,” he writes.
So the real key will be whether lawmakers follow through on their tough talk once the hearing is over and the cameras are off.
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2019/02/25/Will-Congress-Force-Pharma-CEOs-Take-Their-Medicine