John Rother
John Rother
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.
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.
across board category chronic difference hit increases involved people price seem suffer
What we find is that these price increases are pretty much across the board -- it doesn't seem to make much difference what category of drug is involved or what manufacturer. Obviously, those people that are chronically ill, and particularly those who suffer from more than one chronic illness, they are getting hit pretty hard.
counteract discount full hurting impact none price prices programs
Still, none of these discount programs can counteract the full impact of these price increases. Even with the discounts, these prices are hurting people.
faster inflation prices
Drug prices are going up faster than inflation and we need to do more to keep them affordable.
cumulative effect increases moving price rate row sixth twice year
It's moving in the right direction. I will say that. But this is the sixth year in a row of price increases that are at least twice the rate of inflation, so it has a cumulative effect that I think is pretty serious.
costs higher prices reflected
These prices are reflected in higher premiums as well as higher out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.
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.
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.