The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently proposed a new rule that drug manufacturers don't like. They don't like it a lot. In fact they are pulling out all the stops to prevent the rule from ever taking effect.
What is this controversial new rule? HHS wants drug companies to be required to reveal the "list price" of all medications they advertise on TV. The rule would apply to any drug costing more than $35 for a monthly dose.
The $35 limit is laughable, but drug companies aren't laughing. Not when a monthly supply of Humira rheumatoid arthritis pens costs $5,684. Even that seems like a bargain compared to the common multiple sclerosis drug mavenclad, which will set you back over $60,000 a month. And many cancer drugs, while not usually advertised on TV and so not subject to the proposed rule, can cost over $100,000.
Why are the manufacturers so unwilling to share prices in their ads? Really, its all about protecting you! Because if they were to make their prices public, you, the consumer, might be "confused".
Or is it that with price information the consumer might decide to shop around for a better deal? Nah. That would be even more confusing.
Are you confused?
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