More than 25 percent of the federal budget is spent on health care. Endless government intervention, however well-intentioned, rewards lobbyists and distort …
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On December 11, 2024, lawmakers presented a bipartisan initiative to direct pharmaceutical middlemen to divest from health insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies, stressing concerns over vertical integration. In parallel action, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has commenced reviewing monopolistic practices in the industry. This action comes as part of general frustration with the rising price of prescription drugs in the US.
Overthepast50years,Americanshaveseentheirspendingonprescriptiondrugsskyrocketbyaround700percent,fasterthaninflation(about540percentoverthatsameperiod).BrandeddrugpricesintheU.S.are322percentto422percenthigherthanincomparableOECDcountries,evenafteraccountingforrebates.Thisleavespatientsfrustratedandoftenforgoingessentialtreatments.ThreeintenUSadultshaveskippedorreducedmedicationduetocost.Frustrationwiththesystemhasevenledtotragicevents,liketherecentassassinationofaUn
