Trump's Rx for Drug Prices: More Like a Plasma Grenade?

Wake Me When It's Over...

Alright Spartans gather 'round. Looks like President Trump is back at it this time swinging his energy sword at… drug prices? Apparently he's signed an executive order to link U.S. drug costs to those paid in other developed countries. Sounds simple enough right? Like taking down a Scarab with a well placed plasma grenade. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. As Cortana would say 'This is going to be tricky.' Experts are already saying it's going to be a tough sell. 'Negative I don't like it,' indeed.

Most Favored Nation? More Like 'Most Confusing Nation'

The plan dubbed the 'most favored nation' policy aims to tie our medicine prices to those abroad. Trump claims this will 'equalize' prices. Equalize? Last time I heard that word it was followed by 'a brutal Covenant assault.' He didn't specify which meds are targeted but he's aiming for the commercial market plus Medicare and Medicaid. Broader scope than his last attempt which got shot down faster than a Banshee in a dogfight.

Two Steps Forward One Giant Leap Into Bureaucracy

Now the problem Trump's tackling isn't new. U.S. drug prices are on average two to three times higher than other developed nations. Rand Corporation says it could be up to ten times higher in some countries. The President is boasting about a 59% to 90% reduction. Color me skeptical. Health policy experts are scratching their heads unsure if this will actually help patients or if it's just another round of political Plasma Tag.

Wall Street Shrugs: 'Meh We've Seen Worse'

Investors don't seem too worried. Shares of big drugmakers actually went up. Gilead Merck Pfizer – they all saw gains. JPMorgan analysts called the policy 'challenging to practically implement.' Translation: It's about as likely to succeed as a Grunt commanding a Wraith. They're predicting legal challenges and congressional roadblocks. 'The road ahead could be muddy,' they say. Muddy? More like a Covenant infested swamp.

Can He Stick the Landing? (Spoiler: Probably Not)

The problem? Other countries negotiate drug prices with their single payer health systems. We have a patchwork of public and private insurance relying on middlemen. Trump's plan involves the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce battling 'unreasonable and discriminatory policies' abroad. Good luck with that. As Professor Gostin put it other nations are securing fair prices for their own countries and it "has nothing to do with undercutting the U.S." It's like telling the Elites to use plasma pistols instead of energy swords. Not gonna happen.

A Prayer for Lower Prices and Maybe World Peace While We're At It

The order also directs the Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to establish a way for patients to buy drugs directly from manufacturers. Direct to consumer purchasing programs… sounds promising if vaguely defined. HHS also has to give drugmakers price reduction targets within 30 days. If 'adequate progress' isn't made in six months HHS will impose the 'most favored nation' pricing. But as Anderson points out it usually takes Medicare and drug manufacturers six months to a year *just to negotiate* prices under the Inflation Reduction Act. Seems like this plan is gonna need a miracle or at least a very persuasive AI like Cortana.