Medicine, Money, and Middlemen: A Deep Dive into U.S. Drug Costs

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Decoding Prescription Drug Prices: A Deep Dive into the Hidden Costs and Executive Orders

In this episode of Discourse, host Wayne Unger discusses the complexities behind high prescription drug prices in the United States. Unger examines President Donald Trump's recent executive order targeting drug costs, compares drug prices in the U.S. and Europe, and explores the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in driving up costs. The episode also highlights bipartisan efforts to reform the system and the impact of political maneuvering on legislation aimed at lowering drug prices. A special focus is given to initiatives like Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, which seeks to offer medications at significantly reduced prices by bypassing traditional PBM structures.

00:00 Introduction to Discourse
00:48 Today's Topic: Prescription Drug Prices
01:35 Listener Appreciation and Support
02:23 The High Cost of Truvada
06:38 Exploring Injectable HIV Prevention Drugs
09:16 Insulin Price Comparison
10:13 Why Are Prescription Drugs So Expensive in the US?
11:47 Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
12:06 Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs Initiative
16:11 The Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing
33:11 Trump's Executive Order on Drug Prices
37:31 Bipartisan Efforts to Lower Drug Prices
42:29 Conclusion and Call to Action

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