Avoid Consuming This Toxic Pill

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TL/DR –

The letter to the editor criticizes U.S. Rep. Jason Smith for seemingly favoring pharmaceutical companies’ interests over senior citizens in Missouri, as inferred from his recent ad. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 established a cost-cutting provision for Medicare that controls the pricing of pharmaceuticals, with the difference in negotiation and pricing times for non-biologic and biologic drugs causing pharmaceutical companies to claim that non-biologic drug development could be discouraged – the so-called “pill penalty.” The letter also notes the recent drafting of the EPIC Act bill by Senate Republicans, which aims to equalize the pricing time difference in favor of the longer terms, thereby delaying cost savings for Medicare; the author questions if Smith supports this measure due to his ties with pharmaceutical companies.


Concerns Over ‘Biden Pill Penalty’ in US Rep. Jason Smith’s Ad

A recent ad for US Rep. Jason Smith questions the “Biden pill penalty,” sparking confusion as it opposes what seems beneficial to seniors. It seems Smith sides with pharmaceutical companies over Missouri seniors.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 introduced cost-saving measures for Medicare, focusing on expensive medications. A non-biologic drug is ineligible for Medicare price negotiation until seven years post-FDA approval, and the new price doesn’t come into effect until nine years later. For biologics, the wait times are 11 and 13 years, respectively.

Pharmaceutical companies argue this “pill penalty,” the difference in negotiation/pricing times for non-biologic and biologic drugs, discourages the development of non-biologic drugs. However, the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP) states independent research finds no evidence this IRA measure would hinder the development of non-biologics. AARP also states the market for non-biologics remains strong.

Senate Republicans proposed the EPIC Act bill to align the negotiation times for non-biologics and biologics, delaying cost savings for Medicare. Is Smith’s ad indicating his support for such a measure? Given his acceptance of contributions from various pharma companies, it raises questions about his resistance to ensuring Medicare remains a cost-saving program for Missouri seniors.

Signed,

Catherine Frank,

Voters for Informed Action,
Rolla

Long-Tail Keywords

Voters for Informed Action, Rolla, Missouri Eighth District, Congressman Jason Smith, Medicare, pharmaceutical companies, Big Pharma, pill penalty, letter to the editor.



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