Tuesday, February 26, 2013

US Debt Reduction Sequester Spending Solution #14: Let Medicare Negotiate Drug Prices

Medicare is the largest acquirer of drugs.

Presently, the US Congress has required Medicare to pay for its drugs based on the average sales price of drugs plus 6%.

With its high volume power, Medicare would get substantial reductions in the price it pays for its drugs if it were allowed to negotiate drug prices with the drug manufacturers.

My recommendation here is that Medicare be allowed to negotiate drug prices with drug manufacturers.  This is a much fairer way to reduce US Government Spending than to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Benefits.