prescription drug costs

Independent pharmacists say they're losing money on many prescriptions they fill. “It’s just a lot of different elements in the system all at once," says a pharmacy assistant professor at FAMU.

Drugmakers offer copay assistance programs to patients, but insurers are tapping into those funds, not counting the amounts toward patient deductibles. That leads to unexpected charges. But the practice is under growing scrutiny.

A new report by AARP found that the top 25 drugs — covered under Medicare Part D — have almost tripled in price since they first entered the market.

To drive down costs, insurers are delivering high-priced infusion drugs via third-party pharmacies. Hospitals and clinics are trying to convince states to limit this practice, known as "white bagging."

The House Appropriations Committee on Friday approved a bill that would make a series of changes to regulate PBMs. The Senate unanimously passed its version on Wednesday.

The Inflation Reduction Act gives Medicare historic new powers to limit prescription drug prices. But the pharmaceutical industry is already lobbying to dull their impact.

Democrats agreed to a significant — but slimmed down — proposal to help lower prescription drug prices, bringing aboard notable holdouts on the measure, including Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.

Three groups argue that HHS Secretary Alex Azar is “punting” to the states the responsibility for demonstrating the imports will be safe and save costs.

The House of Representatives is expected to approve a bill Thursday that aims to lower prescription drug prices. Some elements have Republican support. But the bill faces an uncertain Senate future.

The bipartisan legislation proposes plans to deal with surprise medical bills, prescription drug patents, price transparency and vaccine education.