*Trump has announced plans for a government-run program called TrumpRx, which will allow consumers to pay cash for select prescription drugs at discounted prices negotiated by the government.
As Newsweek reports, the administration says the initiative will cover treatments for diseases affecting more than 100 million Americans. However, according to NPR, the lower prices would apply only to people paying out of pocket, and in many cases could still exceed what insured patients currently pay.
The announcement came one day after President Trump’s 60-day deadline for pharmaceutical companies to lower costs expired.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administration’s strategy, stating, “President Trump is doing more to lower health care costs than anyone else in Washington, D.C.”
Scroll to continue reading
On social media, press secretary Karoline Leavitt added, “In July, President Trump sent powerful letters to pharmaceutical companies outlining the steps they needed to take to bring down the prices of prescription drugs. Today, Pfizer answered and agreed to lower prices for the American people. Presidential leadership on full display.”
Experts, however, questioned the broader impact. Ameet Sarpatwari of Harvard Medical School told NPR, “I think it’s more underwhelming than what the president is touting. I think it’s more window dressing than the transformational sort of reforms that are needed to really provide relief to Americans struggling with high prices.”
Analysts also warned of legal hurdles and practical complications. Neal Masia, CEO of EntityRisk, called the approach a “blunt instrument,” while Ali Pashazadeh of Treehill Partners said, “I understand the logic of doing it… the question is how it’s implemented, and also the timing of implementation.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Foreign Films
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
