Sander A. Flaum

Instead of worrying about drug costs, let’s worry about the cost of drugs that don’t work! In the closing days of 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation that would, among other things, allow Medicare to refuse to pay for specific drugs it deemed too expensive. Although this piece of political grandstanding will never become law, it is dangerous in that it overshadows a truly sensible bill that does deserve our support.

Forget About Pharma Profits and Focus on Drug Tort Reform Here’s a question for those who claim pharma profits are obscene. Have you looked at the drug tort industry? It’s huge!  Sure, all drugs have side effects, and we take pains to help patients avoid them. But in today’s litigious environment, if patients experience a side effect, they – in the words of drug injury ads – “may be entitled to money damages.” Take one company — Johnson & Johnson.

Don’t believe the bluster: many American’s like their healthcare! Anyone who’s been watching the Democratic primary debates knows that two of  the three front-running candidates routinely equate Pharma executives with 19th century robber barons. It’s almost laughable when we see Bernie Sanders, having just suffered a heart attack, energetically resume his assault on the industry that saved his life.