John Rother
John Rother
certainly compared consumers explain generic good kept news previous prices reason sure switch
That was a real surprise. Generic drug prices have been kept down substantially compared to previous years. I'm not sure I can explain that, but it's certainly good news for consumers and more reason than ever to switch to a generic drug if you have that option.
makers true wish
We just wish the same kind of self-restraint could be true for the makers of brand-name drugs.
benefit hoped partisan people program
This was a program enacted as part of a very high-profile, partisan controversy, ... And the other thing is, the benefit is not what people had hoped to see.
care costs finance keeping per successful
Even if we're extraordinarily successful ... at keeping the per capita costs limited, there has to be some way to finance care for that many people.
debate early ground happened middle opportunity polarized
What happened was the debate got polarized very early and the opportunity to find the middle ground was missed.
far price putting spotlight
We're putting a spotlight on what manufacturers are charging, which is by far the most significant part of the price equation.
believe coverage save
We really believe this coverage is going to save lives.
across changes playing state timely trends wave
Of course, these trends are playing out differently across the states. Florida, for example, has already experienced a demographic wave that illustrates the need for timely changes in state programs.
benefits generation investment pay paying private retired saving shifting themselves twice
Shifting to private investment wouldn't be easy. A whole generation would have to pay twice -- saving for themselves while paying benefits to those retired under the old system.
people relatively seems
Right now, it seems to be relatively quiet. For people (who are enrolled in the program), it's actually working.
job likely mostly moving point seem
It doesn't seem at this point that there's likely to be legislation moving on to the president. I think our job is mostly done.
afforded care changes essential federal health opportunity positive rare seize state term trends
State and federal policymakers should seize the rare opportunity afforded by positive demographic, socioeconomic, and health trends to make essential changes in the nation's long term care programs.
concerned industry patients
I think the industry is more concerned about shareholders than they are about the patients who take the pills.
among future high insurance likely negative people percent program risk seniors sign spread
If only 20 percent or even 30 percent of seniors sign up, that is every negative for the future of the program because the people most likely to sign up are the people with high drug expenses, and you don't have insurance if you don't spread the risk among people who are healthy.