In what feels like a never-ending saga, Trump has rolled out his latest health care plan, and it’s packed with promises that sound almost too good to be true. It’s all about slashing prescription drug prices, right? He’s talking about codifying those Most-Favored-Nation deals to match what folks pay in other countries. That sounds great, but will it actually happen?
Plus, he’s aiming to build on his first-term efforts to make insulin more affordable. Grandfathering in voluntary negotiations with HHS/CMS? Sure, let’s hope that translates into real savings for everyone.
Next up, he wants to fund the Cost-Sharing Reduction Program. This could save taxpayers a whopping $36 billion. Imagine that! Reducing common Obamacare plan premiums by over 10% sounds good on paper, but will it hit home for average Americans?
Addressing expired ACA subsidies is another lofty goal. But questions linger about the actual fiscal savings.
Then there’s the idea of sending money directly to the American people. Instead of padding the pockets of big insurance companies, Trump suggests redirecting funds to eligible citizens for health insurance. Sounds nice, right? But the potential cost of $350 billion raises eyebrows. Where’s that money coming from? And what about out-of-pocket costs?
Let’s not forget about over-the-counter medicines. Making certain medications available without a prescription could lower healthcare costs. Less doctor visits? Sign me up! But again, will this really boost competition among drug providers?
He’s also proposing to cut kickback costs from pharmacy benefit managers. Ending those deceptive practices might save some cash over the next decade, similar to the recent crackdown on drug-industry middlemen included in the new health care package.
Price transparency? Sure, let’s require Medicare and Medicaid providers to post their fees.
Lastly, hold insurance companies accountable. A “Plain-English Insurance” standard sounds nice, but is it just fluff? Trump’s plan is ambitious, but will it deliver? The jury’s still out.
