Science

Medicare Negotiation Would Save $20 Billion

Allowing the federal government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for Medicare drugs would save $20 billion a year, says a new report from the Institute for America’s Future. Legislation to allow such negotiations has already passed the House, but was blocked in the Senate on Wednesday. “The Department of Veterans Affairs is able to negotiate […]

Congress
Allowing the federal government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for Medicare drugs would save $20 billion a year, says a new report from the Institute for America's Future.

Legislation to allow such negotiations has already passed the House, but was blocked in the Senate on Wednesday.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs is able to negotiate for lower-priced drugs,” said the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada. “H.M.O.’s can negotiate. Wal-Mart can negotiate. Why in the world shouldn’t Medicare be able to do that?”

Senate urged to alter Part D [Herald News]

Senate Bars Medicare Talks for Lower Drug Prices [New York Times]