Posted by Michael Wonder on 20 Aug 2019
Law makers want to lower drug prices. Their plan would end up harming patients.
20 August 2019 - Chronic disease is the leading cause of disability and death in the United States.
Six in 10 US adults live with at least one chronic condition. And 4 in 10 adults battle two or more. It's also a major driver of health care spending, accounting for 90 cents of every dollar spent.
Unfortunately, new efforts on Capitol Hill could make matters worse. Some lawmakers are pushing to weaken vital intellectual property protections for new medicines that improve health, reduce side effects and help patients take their medicines as prescribed.
Proposals include allowing the government to undermine patent rights, opening the door for generic versions to be made.
