drug costs

Since pharmaceutical companies started funding their FDA drug applications 30 years ago, the agency’s reviews have gone much faster — perhaps too fast.

The hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin fiascoes have soured many doctors on repurposing drugs for COVID. A few inexpensive old drugs may be as good as some of the new antivirals, but they face complex obstacles to get to patients.

It’s understandable that patients desperately need help affording medicine, especially when their health is on the line. But these programs create a mirage that perpetuates our system’s reckless spending: They cover up a drug’s true price, much of which insurers pay, and that contributes to rising premiums.

Small pharmacies have long complained about benefit managers, which represent health insurers in negotiations with drug companies and pharmacies

The state, which continues to wait for FDA approval, expects to import drugs to treat asthma, COPD, diabetes, hepatitis C, HIV and AIDS, and mental health conditions.

More than 100 bills have been introduced in 42 states this year to regulate these companies, which serve as conduits for drug manufacturers, health insurers and pharmacies.

The U.S. House is considering a bill to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower costs for prescription drugs like insulin, a life-saving diabetes medicine that can cost families thousands of dollars a year.

The final plan clears the way for Florida and other states to implement a program bringing medications across the border despite the strong objections of drugmakers and the Canadian government.

Infants' Tylenol is the same strength as Children's Tylenol. Turns out, the price difference has to do with packaging and safety features.

The price of insulin keeps going up. For people with Type 1 diabetes, high prices can be a life and death issue. Now a grassroots movement is pushing for change.

Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. One reason may be that they face economic and cultural barriers to taking the medications that can prevent recurrence.

Consumers signing up for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace should double check how prescriptions are covered.