Price unenthusiastic about Medicare drug negotiations

At a confirmation hearing Tuesday, HHS secretary nominee Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) dodged questions about President Trump’s proposals to give the federal government authority to negotiate Medicare drug prices, and contradicted the president’s statements expressing skepticism about the safety of vaccines. Questioned by U.S. Senate Finance Committee members at the hearing, Price also suggested that the president exaggerated when he said Price had worked with him to write a healthcare reform plan.

Sen. Ron Wyden (R-Ore.) noted that Trump has promised to save billions of dollars through Medicare drug price negotiation and asked Price if he would advocate the policy to fellow Republicans. Price responded by praising the existing Part D system, calling it a “success story,” and said it includes negotiation of drug prices by PBMs. “We are committed to making certain drug prices are able to be afforded by individuals,” Price said. Pressed by Wyden to support Trump’s position on government drug price negotiation, Price said, “We need to look at whether there is a better way to do it. If so, I’m open to it.”...