Trump's 'Most Favored Nation' Drug Policy: Is It A Hail Hydra Move?

Avengers Assemble... To Lower Drug Costs?

Alright folks Captain America here reporting for duty on a mission that hits close to home – healthcare. President Trump's brought back his 'most favored nation' policy aiming to cut drug costs by matching them to the lowest prices found in other developed countries. Sounds simple right? Like taking down the Red Skull – straightforward in theory. But as we all know things are rarely that simple. As a man out of time I have seen the cost of medication continue to skyrocket. Something has to give!

Equalizing? More Like Playing Global Whac A Mole

The idea is to 'equalize' prices as the President says. We'll pay the lowest price in the world. Now I'm no Tony Stark when it comes to economics but even I can see potential problems. What happens when those countries feeling the pinch decide to raise their prices? Are we just going to keep chasing the lowest number around the globe? It's like playing Whac A Mole except the moles are pharmaceutical companies and the mallet is… well I'm not sure what the mallet is yet but I hope it's made of vibranium.

Aimed at Who Now?

The specifics are a bit murky folks. This order is supposedly broader than the last attempt hitting both the commercial market and Medicare/Medicaid. They're targeting drugs with 'largest disparities and largest expenditures,' which could include those weight loss and diabetes treatments. I'm all for helping people live healthier lives but this approach feels a bit like throwing the shield and hoping it hits something. Strategy is key people! Remember 'If I see a situation pointed south I can't ignore it. Sometimes I wish I could.'

Big Pharma's Getting A Little Puffy

Of course Big Pharma isn't exactly thrilled about this. They claim it'll hurt their profits and stifle research. And yet stocks of U.S. drugmakers rose... I guess it's a sign of the times. While they are at it maybe they can work a deal for me so I can get my knee fixed. The cost of healthcare is OUTRAGEOUS!

The Middleman Menace

The order also aims to cut out the middlemen and let Americans buy drugs directly from manufacturers at those 'most favored nation' prices. It also directs the Food and Drug Administration to consider expanding imports from other developed nations beyond Canada. Now I'm no stranger to fighting through hordes of enemies to get to the bad guy but bypassing bureaucratic red tape might be a bigger challenge than taking on Thanos. Seriously if we can travel through time we can streamline healthcare.

Another Fight?

So what's the verdict? Will this policy actually lower costs or will it just lead to more legal battles and unintended consequences? Some experts think it'll be ineffective while others worry about drug companies pulling out of overseas markets. Either way it's clear that reforming healthcare is a complex issue one that requires more than just a single executive order. It requires teamwork strategic thinking and maybe a little bit of that old fashioned American ingenuity. 'We have orders. We should follow them. Even if they're wrong.'