Drug costs Both Democrats and Republicans have been vocal advocates for passing legislation targeting drug prices, though discussions were delayed as legislators turned their attention to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Health care spending in the U.S. continues to increase year after year, with prescription drugs accounting for a significant portion. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that prescription drug expenditure in the United States came to some 335 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. CMS predicts that, over the next 10 years, spending on prescription drugs will be the fastest growth health category and will consistently outpace other health expenditures. It is for this reason that health plans, employers and policymakers have been calling for measures to help lower the cost of prescription medications.

Both Democrats and Republicans have been vocal advocates for passing bipartisan legislation to address this national concern, specifically working on bills S.2543 and H.R.3. Understandably, however, these discussions were delayed as legislators turned their attention to federal aid bills designed to ease COVID-19-related economic concerns. Recently, the Trump administration announced drug pricing is a priority again, but there is no firm timetable in sight for movement on major proposals.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2023 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

BenefitsPRO Broker Expo 2024Event

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.

Get More Information
 

BenefitsPRO Broker Expo 2024Event

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.

Get More Information
 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.