At PoliticusUSA, our focus is on actions rather than words. We are able to do this because of the unwavering support of our readers. If you believe in our mission, please consider becoming a subscriber.
When Trump returned to office, many Americans were taken aback by the immediate changes that ensued. One such change was Trump’s decision to raise prescription drug prices for millions of seniors by reversing Biden’s order that allowed Medicare to launch new programs aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. This was a move that Trump never mentioned during his campaign.
Shortly after taking office, Trump made prescription drugs more expensive by revoking Executive Order 14087 of October 14, 2022, which was focused on lowering prescription drug costs for Americans. This executive action led to the development of three innovative experiments by Medicare that would have significantly reduced prescription drug prices for millions of Americans, including offering generic drugs for a flat $2 co-pay.
Unfortunately, all of these advancements have now been undone. While Medicare still has the authority to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, any further innovative initiatives to lower drug costs have been halted. This shift in policy reflects Trump’s priorities of making the government work in favor of billionaires and corporations.
It is worth noting that the power for Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices was granted in the Inflation Reduction Act, and it would require another act of Congress to eliminate it. However, without any new innovative programs in place, the cost of prescription drugs for Americans is likely to remain high.
We invite you to share your thoughts on Trump’s actions in the comments below. Your feedback is valuable to us as we continue to report on the latest developments in politics and policy.
