On a per capita basis, inflation-adjusted retail prescription drug spending in the U.S. increased from $90 in 1960 to $1,025 in 2017, according to Peterson-Kaiser’s Health System Tracker. Why are prescription drug prices so high, what effects do these costs have on people, and what can be done about it? We discuss some of the legislation that has been introduced to address this escalating problem.
Guests
Lisa Nolan, director of value-based purchasing, Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine
Lori Parham, state director, AARP Maine
Sen. Troy Jackson (by phone), Maine Senate president, D-Allagash
Sen. Robert Foley (by phone), Maine state senator, R-York
Jane Horvath, principal, Horvath Health Policy
Resources
- Slate Of Bills Tackle Prescription Drug Prices In Maine
- RXWidget.com
- MedHelp Maine
- AARP Launches Campaign to Lower Prescription Prices
- Express Scripts Takes Steps To Cut Insulin's Price To Patients
- CNN Opinion: Prescription drug prices are out of control
- Quick Take: Action on drug pricing gets massive bipartisan support
- Bernie Sanders vows to cut prescription drug prices by half if he's elected