Trump to lead Medicare drug negotiations

Emily Lauderdale
Trump to lead Medicare drug negotiations
Trump to lead Medicare drug negotiations

President-elect Donald Trump has a unique opportunity to make prescription drugs more affordable for Americans. In his first term, he prioritized people over politics by preserving Medicare and Medicaid while creating a robust private health insurance marketplace. He also allowed the importation of lifesaving drugs from Canada and took executive action to slash drug prices.

Now, Mr. Trump can build upon the provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that allows Medicare to negotiate prices on certain drugs. By pushing for tougher agreements with pharmaceutical companies during the next round of negotiations, his incoming administration could secure deeper price reductions, further drive down taxpayer spending, and hold drugmakers accountable for fair pricing.

The U.S. government has already negotiated with pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of 10 of the most expensive drugs. When those prices take effect in 2026, they will save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs for older Americans and $6 billion for the federal government in the first year alone. Shortly after Mr.

Trump takes office, the U.S. government will announce 15 new drugs it will negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. This is a huge opportunity for Mr. Trump to get even better deals than previous administrations.

Pharmaceutical companies, driven by record profits, have spent decades exploiting Americans.

Trump’s Medicare drug savings plan

Their lobbying efforts to undo negotiating power would lead to higher costs for patients and taxpayers while undermining the progress already made to take on Big Pharma’s greed.

By doubling down on the ability to negotiate drug prices, Mr. Trump can outmaneuver the pharmaceutical companies and save Americans billions more. If Mr.

Trump prioritizes American citizens’ health and financial well-being over corporate greed, he will truly be putting America first. Mr. Trump’s ability to secure better deals for America is precisely why voters elected him.

With his leadership, expanding drug pricing reforms could revolutionize health care, making medications affordable for millions while reducing government waste. Americans need relief from sky-high prices, and they trust Mr. Trump to deliver it.

Now is the time for Mr. Trump to seize this opportunity, cement his legacy, and secure the deal of a lifetime for the American people. With Mr.

Trump at the helm, affordable health care isn’t just a possibility — it’s a promise.

Emily is a news contributor and writer for SelfEmployed. She writes on what's going on in the business world and tips for how to get ahead.