Should Pharma Have to Disclose Drug Prices in TV Ads?

What's the story?

• The massive health-care spending bill that the Senate passed on Thursday included a provision that would require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the price of their drug in commercials.
• The bipartisan amendment – aimed at reducing high drug prices - came from Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

“More information gives transparency to the transaction, and will help give American consumers a break and start to slow down the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs,” Durbin said in a statement. 

• Grassley added in a tweet:

• But moves to disclose drugmakers’ prices in TV ads are opposed by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the main drug industry lobbying group. PhRMA warned the requirement would “confuse patients” as the actual price they pay may be lower, and argued the requirement may violate their First Amendment rights.
• PhRMA also opposes another Senate bill to lift the so-called “pharmacy gag clause,” which currently prohibits pharmacists from informing customers which of their two payment options - paying fully out of pocket or using their health insurance - would cost less for their prescriptions.

What do you think?

Should drugmakers be required to advertise the price of their drugs? Or do you share big pharma’s concerns that the ads will confuse patients and violate the Constitution? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below. 

And be sure to also tell your reps how to vote on the bill asking: Should Pharmacists be Allowed to Tell Customers Whether Using Insurance or Paying Out-of-Pocket is Cheaper?

—Josh Herman

(Screen Capture Lipitor Ad)