ARLINGTON, Va. — NACDS today sent the following memo to chain members:

We are writing to update you on President Trump’s announcement today regarding prescription drug pricing policies, and anticipated future events related to it. In short, we anticipate learning more details in the coming days, and NACDS will analyze the Administration’s proposals and provide information to you.

Consistent with the President’s Rose Garden announcement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a document, titled “American Patients First: The Trump Administration Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs.” You will see the “Trump Administration Blueprint in Brief” on pages 9 through 11. The blueprint highlights four high-level strategies for reform: improved competition, better negotiation, incentives for lower list prices, and lowering patient out-of-pocket costs. The new policies would be implemented in two phases. First, there are actions that the President may direct HHS to take immediately. Second, there are actions that HHS already is considering for which feedback will be sought.

Additional events in the near term are expected to reveal more details about the Administration’s approach. The Administration is expected to release requests-for-information later today, asking stakeholders for insights on policy issues. Also, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar will conduct a follow-up briefing on Monday, May 14, which NACDS will attend. It has been suggested that Secretary Azar will provide more details on the Administration’s plan at that time.

“In a national survey, 83% of voters said pharmacists provide credible advice for saving money on prescription drugs. We look forward to performing a similar role in this national conversation about affordable, accessible and quality healthcare.”
We will evaluate the proposals through the lens of NACDS’ public policy positions and perspectives related to prescription drug pricing, which are articulated in an Issue Brief that we use in advocating for pro-patient and pro-pharmacy policies. Across the spectrum of public policy issues, NACDS emphasizes that just as pharmacists provide access to better healthcare every day, we maintain a proactive footing in providing access to health policy solutions. In a national survey, 83% of voters said pharmacists provide credible advice for saving money on prescription drugs. We look forward to performing a similar role in this national conversation about affordable, accessible and quality healthcare.

We will be in touch as we analyze current and emerging information about the Administration’s plan.