Medicare Drug Prices Part B Will Come Down, Azar Testifies

Medicare Drug Prices Part B will come down if he wins the nomination, says HHS Secretary-designate Alex Azar today before the Senate Finance Committee.

Azar advocated for pharmacy benefit managers (PMB’s) as the most effective way to bring consumer drug costs down. In addition, they should be expanded to negotiate for physician-administered drugs in Part B.

Medicare Drug Prices: Did Azar raise drug prices at Lilly?

Azar was repeatedly criticized by Committee Democrats on Lilly’s huge drug price spikes that happened under Azar’s tenure. When pressed on whether he lowered the cost of any drug while at Lilly, Azar countered with the assertion that the fault lies with the system. “Every incentive in the system is to bring drug prices high,” Azar said. “That’s why I want to be here working with you.”

Healthcare attorney and consultant Tom Scully, who headed the CMS under President George W. Bush and worked extensively with Azar, said he expects a strong collaborative relationship between Verma and Azar and a move to streamline operations at the HHS.

Medicare Drug Prices: The Vote on Azar is coming up

Healthcare attorney and consultant Tom Scully, who headed the CMS under President George W. Bush and worked extensively with Azar, said he expects a strong collaborative relationship between Verma and Azar and a move to streamline operations at the HHS.

The Finance Committee is likely to vote on advancing Azar’s nomination to the Senate floor next week, according to committee aides. The committee must vote to advance Azar’s nomination to the Senate floor before the full Senate can vote on cloture and final confirmation.