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The Trump administration and every health care industry group were quick to hype the Medicare insulin plan as a win for everyone. Let's pump the brakes on this one. https://www.axios.com/medicare-insulin-model-trump-pharma-insurance-5779fee4-18bc-47b2-82c6-db254c83fd56.html
This is only for certain Medicare plans. It doesn't change actual insulin prices. It doesn't apply to numerous other expensive drugs, many of which diabetes patients have to take. Premiums will go up. https://www.axios.com/medicare-insulin-model-trump-pharma-insurance-5779fee4-18bc-47b2-82c6-db254c83fd56.html
It's beneficial for health insurers and PBMs because they will take on less financial risk, and these insulin plans become "a marketing tool to drive enrollment." https://www.axios.com/medicare-insulin-model-trump-pharma-insurance-5779fee4-18bc-47b2-82c6-db254c83fd56.html
It's beneficial for insulin makers. Yes, they'll pay $250M over 5 years to cover more costs, but that's a *pittance* to the billions in revenue that insulin generates. Plus, they will capture insulin sales from people who otherwise would've been rationing. https://www.axios.com/medicare-insulin-model-trump-pharma-insurance-5779fee4-18bc-47b2-82c6-db254c83fd56.html
More than anything, this insulin model gives cover to avoid more serious drug pricing reforms during this pandemic. The industry and politicians will claim "Mission Accomplished" on drug pricing, when it is anything but. https://www.axios.com/medicare-insulin-model-trump-pharma-insurance-5779fee4-18bc-47b2-82c6-db254c83fd56.html
