Hillary Clinton unveils plan to lower prescription drug costs

[riversedge]

Source: usatoday.com


Heidi M Przybyla, USA TODAY 12:06 a.m. EDT September 22, 2015


............Clinton's plan, according to the campaign, will propose to:

Deny tax breaks for consumer advertising and demand that drug companies instead invest U.S. taxpayer dollars in research and development. Many companies benefit from corporate write-offs for advertising aimed specifically at consumers. Companies that receive federal funds would be required to reinvest a certain amount in research.

Encourage the production of generic drugs including lowering the amount of time companies can exclusively produce new treatments.

Cap what insurers can charge consumers with chronic or serious health conditions in out-of-pocket costs. Health insurance plans would place a monthly limit of $250 on out-of-pocket costs for such patients.

Allow Americans to import drugs from abroad. Countries in Europe with similar safety standards often pay half of what American pay for the same drugs, according to the campaign.
Allow Medicare to negotiate drug and biologic prices, especially for high-cost drugs with limited competition.



Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/09/22/hillary-clinton-prescription-drug-plan/72598898/?AID=10709313&PID=6157437&SID=ievcyxnhef00xkod00dth

---

[padfun]

1. These are things that shrub should have done

but didn't.

He went the opposite direction and stopped Gov from negotiating drug prices.

[zeemike]

13. One could argue these are things Obama should have done but didn't.

The ACA was suposed to correct these things but didn't
But we can't bring ourselves to do that can we?

[Enthusiast]

47. + 1 to the zenith! We know good and well Republicans never do the right thing.

That is why we vote for Democrats. But when they do not act like Democrats as we expect we are very disappointed and we should be!

How many more election cycles will we continue to vote for Democrats that go along with corporate interests while ignoring the interests of MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF US?

I. Am. Sick. Of. This. Shit.

[zeemike]

84. A lot of people are sick of it.

And it seems to be those who are directly effected by it...thosw who are not don't seem to give a shit. As long as they have a D in their name it is all good.

That is why we must have a political revolution now...if not it will be lost for another generation...and oligarchy will become normal.

[Hoyt]

52. Private ACA insurers do negotiate drug prices and put caps on what they cover, and

come up with alternatives when some greedy drug company tries to gouge.

[zeemike]

85. And it is up to you to make the co pay.

And when they want a CEO bonus for providing investors with big profits they just raise the premiums.
In the end you are always the one who pays.

[Hoyt]

91. The copay is based upon what the insurer allows, unless one is fool enough

to go to an out-of-network provider.

I'm not defending this jerk. Fortunately, his drug is not in high demand, and I bet insurers, hospitals and docs work out something to leave him with practically zero sales at the rate he wants to charge.

[wordpix]

95. why do insurers allow charges that are 2000% higher than what the drugs cost? Example:

I was sent bills for my chemo, which has been used for decades and is not life saving. According to NIH, the drugs cost $1600 per round. The "allowed charge," which is what insurers allow providers, was around $19,000/round. The "provider charge" was $40K/round. Why would insurers allow Pharma the "allowed charge" of $19K when the real cost is $1600? And WTF is this "provider charge" that means nothing? It should be banned from statements and bills.

Either the insurance cos. are writing off whatever they don't get in their negotiations and taking a loss/tax deduction (most likely) for the difference, or they are getting kickbacks from Big Pharma. Could be both.

[Hoyt]

97. They don't get tax deduction except what the pay, or kickback. Would be interested to know the drug

name that cost $1600, but was allowed at $19,000. Something isn't right about that.

Sorry about the need for chemo. A war on cancer - and profiteers - is what we need.

[wordpix]

93. uh---O tried to get negotiated drug prices but our DEM-dominated Congress

at the time refused that for O-care. So put the blame where it should go, and that's not with the pres.

[zeemike]

98. That is the excuse for everything not done.

Congress would not let him.
As for me I am tired of excuses...it't like dealing with the co dependent of an alcholic...it is never their fault they get drunk...someone else is always responsible.

[Gman]

2. These things are where Hillary runs circles around Sanders

By capitalizing on issues that occur as soon as they do. Sanders can be weeks behind with a response.

[bkkyosemite]

5. Bernie is on the commitee in the Senate and

has already written to demand an explanation from the company. He is the senior minority ranking member that oversees prescription gouging along with a lot of other consumer issues.

[Gman]

7. Good to hear

Except who else knows outside of his supporters?

[Dawgs]

20. You can say the same thing as Hillary and her supporters.

This proposal of hers will only be known by people that follow and like her.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

107. Did you think no one would notice you completely changed your rationale?

Post 2 is very different than post 7, but that's because you completely changed your rationale after your first point was documented as being completely incorrect. I'd say nice try, but it really wasn't.

[riversedge]

22. Yes, I saw that thread. The committee needs to push this hard.

[Geronimoe]

6. Except like Obama

Hillary will never get this passed through Congress. She probably won't even try. Pure campaign rhetoric.

[Gman]

8. And you know this, how?

[brooklynite]

10. Whereas it'll be so much easier for President Sanders?

[Geronimoe]

16. He'll at least try

because he isn't taking Big Pharma's money like Hillary does.

[Dawgs]

21. Unfortunately, she will never be President.

Not enough people to vote for her over the Republican.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

69. Alert Stalker FAIL! (I wish I knew who you are!) ...

On Tue Sep 22, 2015, 11:51 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Unfortunately, she will never be President.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=1213527

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

My first ever alert. This is DU. If I want to see something like this I would go to Freeperville. "Not enough people to vote for her over the Republican." Maybe I'm not really on DU after all.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Sep 22, 2015, 12:01 PM, and the Jury voted 0-7 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The poster is simply expressing the opinion that he believes Hillary can't win the general election. It's an argument that is also seen in regards to Sanders here on DU.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Nothing wrong with the comment, simply one person's opinion. Also, this looks like it may be an alert stalker trying to get Dawgs suspended, considering how benign the alerted comment is.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The poster expressed an opinion about the outcome of the 2016 election. No violation of TOS.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Am I missing something? This isn't alert-able IMHO
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Good grief. It's an opinion. A wrong one, but an opinion. Argue in the thread. These kind of alerts are ridiculous.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Extremely frivolous alert.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I don't understand what the member found disruptive here. This post is fine.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[merrily]

71. LOL, we were posting at the same time.

According to "conventional wisdom", Bernie's supporters are never victims of frivolous alerts.

[merrily]

70. Jury said leave it.

On Tue Sep 22, 2015, 11:51 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Unfortunately, she will never be President.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=1213527

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

My first ever alert. This is DU. If I want to see something like this I would go to Freeperville. "Not enough people to vote for her over the Republican." Maybe I'm not really on DU after all.

the Jury voted 0-7 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The poster is simply expressing the opinion that he believes Hillary can't win the general election. It's an argument that is also seen in regards to Sanders here on DU.
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Nothing wrong with the comment, simply one person's opinion. Also, this looks like it may be an alert stalker trying to get Dawgs suspended, considering how benign the alerted comment is.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: The poster expressed an opinion about the outcome of the 2016 election. No violation of TOS.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Am I missing something? This isn't alert-able IMHO
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Good grief. It's an opinion. A wrong one, but an opinion. Argue in the thread. These kind of alerts are ridiculous.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Extremely frivolous alert.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I don't understand what the member found disruptive here. This post is fine.

I thought Juror #1 (not I) made an excellent point.

[840high]

92. Good jury results

[riversedge]

76. ha ha. Seems you need to keep track of the polls

[Dawgs]

90. New to politics?

Polls don't mean anything at this point. Never have.

[think]

29. Sanders introduced a bill with Elijah Cummings two weeks ago to get drug prices under control

Hillary comes along afterwards and gets all the press while Sanders is actually already introducing the legislation.

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/bernie-sanders-bill-high-drug-prices-phrama-greed

Kind of getting use to Clinton adopting Bernie Sanders' platform.

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-09-21/clinton-may-echo-sanders-on-drug-price-proposals-bi

[Live and Learn]

45. +1 nt

[Eric J in MN]

66. Neither proposal would have prevented Martin Shkreli's profiteering.

Drug companies should be required to get regulatory approval for any big price hikes.

[Gman]

87. So who knows about it?

I didn't make the news Hillary did.

[Enthusiast]

49. What an absurd statement. Hillary doesn't come close to Bernie on policy especially health care.

Where is Hillary's single payer health care proposal?

[Gman]

86. You didn't read my post at all

Did you?

[LuvLoogie]

101. Well Bernie voted for ObamaCare, which is closer to HillaryCare...

than it is to BernieCare, which languishes somewhere in congress.

[hughee99]

61. Yes, Clinton is great at capitalizing on issues as soon as they occur...

which is to say she's better at using the issues of the day to benefit her campaign. My concern is that her interest in these issues is limited to how they can help her, politically.

[riversedge]

77. Your concern is noted.

[hughee99]

94. Would you be more comfortable if I just said

Last edited Tue Sep 22, 2015, 06:56 PM - Edit history (1)

I personally don't believe her interest in most of these issues goes any further than her own political interests? My sincerest apologies for at least trying to appear to give her the benefit of the doubt.

[restorefreedom]

89. bernie has been bringing people across the border

for years to get cheaper meds from canada.

he also has a plan for health care..

no circles....most dems are for major health care reforms

[Doctor_J]

105. Are you OK?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027193454

Sanders wrot a bill to address this two weeks ago

The walls of the Hillary Bubble must really be thick.

[riversedge]

3. LATimes: Hillary Clinton previews plan to expand Obamacare and lower health costs

latimes.com/nation/la-na-clinton-healthcare-20150922-story.html …
Hillary Clinton previews plan to expand Obamacare and lower health costs #HillaryForAmerica #wipolitics
View summary
0 retweets 0 favorites

[24601]

4. There is a simpler way than to trash the 1st Amendment. Shall we tax political ads too?

The easier plan is this:

If you produce a pill, you can charge anything you want.

If it costs the patient less than a dollar - you pay no tax on its sale.

If the patient pays more than a dollar, and less than $10, the producer pays a tax of 100% of the difference between the cost and the dollar. This tax cannot be added to a wholesale or retail price.

If it's more than $10, the producer tax goes up to 110% of price paid by the patient.


I've got the same kind of tax in mind, with a $3 breakpoint, for movie theater drinks & popcorn....

[dsc]

12. How does removing a tax break

for ads that for much of the history of the Republic have been banned, trash the first amendment? What part of the first amendment says I have to pay for the ads run by anyone?

[Bubzer]

28. +1

[24601]

32. Good entry into a larger issue. Political campaigns are businesses and pay income tax on the

difference between income and deductions. Here's the link to IRS Form 1120-POL http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120pol.pdf

In this regard, they are treated like other business.

The question: "Is purchasing advertising a legitimate business expense." If so (as the IRS interprets the tax code today) then it is no different than the other expenses of developing a product and bringing it to the market.

If you disagree, we are a republic and you can contact your representative and senators about disallowing deductions. Or you can run for office yourself and introduce the changes.

[abelenkpe]

41. Should go back to no ads for drugs

Or alcohol.

[AlbertCat]

58. ads that for much of the history of the Republic have been banned

We can go back to that.

I'd love it!

[Android3.14]

9. IOW, "I'm kind of like Bernie"

How about you stop flailing about and adopt a real plan?

[riversedge]

14. so, how is she "frailing" about and is like Bernie?

[Android3.14]

82. Read it again

The typo, as ridiculous as it is to criticize in a post, is in your head.

[riversedge]

83. And you are not interested in a conversation either.

bye

[Android3.14]

88. Riiiight. That's what this is about

If you ever want to discuss these issues like an adult, just let me know.

[bkkyosemite]

11. Hillary Clinton knows exactly what Big Pharma is doing and

it is not just breaks for advertising medications....none of them should have been getting any breaks for advertising in the first place. Big Pharma is deceiving the public. If you care to you can read what is really happening with regards to the pharma industry...very sick indeed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141213396 #28

[Lychee2]

46. Then why doesn't she propose a real solution?

Instead, she wants to make minor adjustments. She's a centrist. That's what centrists do.

[wordpix]

96. another "entitlement" that Pharma gets a break for advertising

I run a business and my advertising costs me.

[Sunlei]

15. "monthly limit of $250 on out-of-pocket costs"still to much, they will charge ALL 2.5k a year

and demand Federal and State subsidies to meet their Corp. gouge price.

We have to cut out the profiteer middlemen, health care- Insurance in America needs to be non-profit no middlemen, no out of pocket drug costs and no restrictions on clinics or Doctors.

Americas medical care price sets like OPEC oil.

[Geronimoe]

18. So it is similar to this

$8000 for insurance of single person. $6,000 deductible, and $3,000 in drugs.

If you are chronically ill, your cost is $17K per year before insurance kicks in.

[Sunlei]

31. drug corps should be limited to 20% profit on RX meds. Some have insurance with no deductibles.

Still I'm all for no cost health care for all Americans . Let the Federal & State Govs. subsidize the 20% 'profit'.

[Lychee2]

48. Limit profits?????

That's unAmerican!

[Sunlei]

53. limit profits like obamacare limited insurance profits. yes, insurance corps still 'game' obamacare.

Insurance Corps 'game' the system for more 'free gov. money'

Insurance Corps also, collude with Drug Corps for a piece of that lovely 10,000% profit.


col·lude
/kəˈlo͞od/
verb
verb: collude; 3rd person present: colludes; past tense: colluded; past participle: colluded; gerund or present participle: colluding

come to a secret understanding for a harmful purpose; conspire.
"university leaders colluded in price-rigging"

[Lychee2]

56. How does Obamacare "limit" profits?

There is no Obamacare ceiling on drug prices, insurance premiums, or anything else, for that matter. That's because under capitalism, profits are sacred and undeniable.

[Sunlei]

57. I understand that. here's the basic, please use search to find out more.

Health Reform, a.k.a. Obamacare) is that it limits the profits of health insurance companies. The ACA imposes a minimum medical loss ratio (MLR) on all insurers. The MLR is the amount of money spent on covered person medical care divided by the total revenue received through premiums.Feb 4, 2012

[Lychee2]

64. A minimum MLR standard does not limit profits.

Here's why:

A minimum MLR standard does not limit the amount of premium that an insurer may charge for its health insurance plans.

http://www.advancinghealthinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Plan-consolidation-MLR-factsheet_8-18-15_clean.pdf

So the 15-20% allowed to the the insurance companies can get bigger and bigger in absolute dollars as premiums rise--without any legal limit.

[Sunlei]

67. They also limit the cost of percent premium hike. The corps also game this easy by dropping one plan

and starting a new more expensive plan each new enrollment year.

Still better than no insurance at all, being dropped or being refused coverage.

[Lychee2]

72. "BlueCross requests 36% premium hike for '16 plans"

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has filed to increase its health insurance premiums for 2016 individual plans by 36 percent, on top of a 19 percent increase approved last year.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2015/5/14/bluecross_requests_36_premium_hike_for_16_plans

In health care, as in many other areas, the regulatory boards are a rubber stamp for the industry. That's how it is with Public Utility Commissions, etc. They are staffed by former and future returning executives from the industry. That's how Blue Cross got its 19% increase last year.

[Sunlei]

79. Could not even get blue cross before obamacare. President should do the same as Insurance Corps-

when he has to deal with our congress-ask for the Sun. Moon and Stars and settle for less.

I know Americans deserve better from their Government but that will not happen in our lifetimes, even if you're just a teenager. Personally, I will continue to be happy with my obamacare, it's a heck of a lot better than no insurance.

[LiberalArkie]

17. Most of her proposal is normal crap including the capo $250.00. The insurance company

just moves the high price drug to a tier they don't cover. And it doesn't have to be that expensive.

But : Allow Americans to import drugs from abroad. Countries in Europe with similar safety standards often pay half of what American pay for the same drugs, according to the campaign.
Allow Medicare to negotiate drug and biologic prices, especially for high-cost drugs with limited competition.


That is the way it needs to be, should have been. I am glad she is coming around on it. She was not in favor of it in the past, but as people get older and known people that have had problems they learn. Now to hear from the Bernmeister.

[Lychee2]

50. You are right about drug prices in Europe.

I bought two prescription drugs in France for $15 total. That is less than my co-pay for the same drugs in the States.

Incidentally, the doctor's visit to get the prescriptions cost $28. That was the full price as a private patient. I was just a visitor, and so I was not eligible for their national health insurance.

[jeff47]

19. Remember when Clinton supporters complained about plans not being paid for?

Good times.

[nichomachus]

23. Hillary -- late to the party again with a bucket of weak sauce

Drug companies have been gouging for decades -- where was Hillary?

This was not a secret. There have been lawsuits about it -- Hillary only discovered it last night.

Drug companies were gouging while Hillary was drafting her health care plan -- she did nothing to address it.

Drug companies were gouging when Hillary was a senator. What did she do to address it? Oh, right, she voted for a bill to ban the government from negotiating on drug prices.

But now that she's faltering on the campaign trail, she all of a sudden "discovered" the issue and cooked up a plan overnight to deal with it.

Same old Hillary -- just like on LGBT rights -- a day late and a dollar short. The country deserves better.

[Sunlei]

34. Drug Corps had set-up to blame TPP for price gouging but some drug corps have rushed ahead

rushed ahead of the 'blame game'. But there will always be Obama or Mrs. Clinton to shove the blame on.

[BumRushDaShow]

24. All of this requires Congress to implement

Today is "National Voter Registration Day". Time to take back Congress!

[turbinetree]

25. I HAVE QUESTION................................

why was it back in the nineties the drug companies said that it would be cheaper to move the "plants" to Costa Rica or Puerto Rico, so that they could make the the variety of "pills" for one cent to five cents.
They were also given during this time frame the means to expand there patent rights on the drug to lower the so called costs.

To make a generic drug all you have to do is change the molecular structure of one atom in the pill to make it generic-------------that's all----------------so why is the so called fact now being presented when everyone from the nineties on knew about this scam, and then the criminal enterprise from 2001-2008 got there hands on it with the help of "Congress" to come with this "plan" to have a doughnut hole to privatize the drugs (Part D) to make it more expensive--------without any government dealings to purchase any drug more cheaply or negotiate a price, when all it costs is to put the molecular structure in a computer press a button and make a pill for .1 cents and charge over in some cases $10,000 dollars-----------------------its called greed and and also called greasing the palms------------and not one of these supporters have done anything to lower the costs.

I have heard from day one with Sanders that this was unacceptable, notice who is standing next to Senator Sanders

http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/26345-senator-bernie-sanders-is-investigating-drug-prices




Honk---------------------for a political revolution Bernie 2016

[Geronimoe]

33. It was cheaper to make in Puerto Rico

because a lobbyist inserted a provision that they would get $75K tax right off for every employee they hire.

This is the problem with both Parties. A bill is sold as something, and the fine print is entirely different. Wall Street wins and Main St loses.

[turbinetree]

35. Enough is Enough

Thanks for the info.
I am getting ready to go on Medicare and Social Security and I am preparing myself for costs in drug prices.
I will not get the break------------I will be above the threshold, but the oligarchies get there breaks---------how convenient




Honk --------------------for a political revolution Bernie 2016

[marym625]

36. HONK HONK!

[turbinetree]

37. Feel that BERN

even from way back form in 2001 -----------------Yep

The Bern was in fine form back then, as to today, just like now and all of the co-signers felt the BERN





Honk------------------for a political revolution Bernie 2016

[marym625]

40. Absolutely

I've admired him for decades. He really came to be one of my favorites back during the votes leading to the illegal war in Iraq.

#FeelTheBern
#Bernie2016


On edit: Actually, he became one of my favorites during the votes for DOMA.

[Sunlei]

80. In Vermont people with obamacare can use any Doctor they want, can Sanders make this National?

In most states insured are restricted/limited to a tiny area and not covered if they need medical care outside that tiny area. (except for emergency care)

[turbinetree]

99. I will not get into the specifics........................

The only way that this can be done is to have Medicare for all----------this will drive the free marketers crazy--------------but my attitude is------------- so what-------------come into my world and one day I can fully explain what happened-----------------it is not pretty-----------the overhead costs associated with drug costs are nothing more than a profit machine to the drug companies, we are the only country that will import lettuce and tomatoes, cheaply but not drugs----------Sanders just said this and I just paraphrased his remarks and it is true, and then we have insurance companies becoming just three in this country---------------and this is called free market -----------------nope-------------I want some regulations for my health------------I can't eat a dollar bill to make me healthy



Honk------------------------for a political revolution Bernie 2016

[Fuddnik]

42. I remember calling and writing my Senator (John Glenn D-OH) about this.

They got huge tax breaks and subsidies to close US plants, and move them to PR.

The Senator never responded. Must have been out in space somewhere.

[geardaddy]

54. I miss Wellstone

[whatthehey]

26. Half the price? That's laughable.

I've seen the ASP data at two major pharma companies and on anything non-generic but not brand new blockbuster, the differential is closer to 20 to 1 than 2 to 1 on US prices compared to ROTW.

[zalinda]

27. Her plan will NOT solve the problem that is happening in the headlines.

"The nation’s largest companies are charging Americans thousands of dollars for new drugs that are often priced lower in other developed nations while receiving billions of taxpayer dollars for basic research, according to the campaign."

The quote above is from the OP's link.

What is going on is small (instant) companies are buying old generic or single use drugs from large companies and are jacking up the price. Hillary's plan will do nothing about that, these are hedge fund people.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/pharma-ceo-just-jacked-price-201033610.html

Z

[Bubzer]

30. This seems like a token gesture. We need single payer... not a pat on the head and a cookie.

[marym625]

38. +100

This doesn't even get you a cookie. At least not a homemade cookie. You know, like the ones Hillary made when First Lady to tone down her image as a feminist. After all, the polls showed that the American people wanted her to be demure.

[Enthusiast]

51. That is what it looks like to me. I hope the voter recognizes it for what it is.

[LuvLoogie]

102. Bernie voted for the ACA. Did he sell out ?

[Bubzer]

108. Why are you using a straw-man argument? I clearly didn't accuse Hillary of being a sell out.

Reducing drug prices is like painting a house with latex paint to cover up a mold problem. That mold is going to, very quickly, find its way around and through. Reducing drug prices will not fix the underlying problem. Single payer is the solution we need... not a coupon for aspirin.

[Lychee2]

39. Tinker, tinker, tweak.

That's not enough.

[bread_and_roses]

43. There's only ONE way make them "affordable" - Single Payer

When she gets on board, I'll believe she's serious. But I won't hold my breath. Her corporate paymasters wouldn't like it.

[Lychee2]

73. +1. nt

[raindaddy]

44. Great! It's breaking news and Hillary's team has come up with a plan...

Now maybe Hillary can ask DWS to schedule a few more debates so the voters can compare her plan with Bernie's...

[RussBLib]

55. and her plan caused the Biotech sector to crash hard

thanks Hillary.

[AlbertCat]

59. drug companies instead invest U.S. taxpayer dollars in research and development

Uh.... taxpayers already pay for research and development.

[Kablooie]

60. They get write offs for ADVERTISING?

Someone needs to attack the Washington lobbys! That's where all this soul crushing greed comes from.

Attack the disease not the symptoms.

[Eric J in MN]

65. It's not a special write-off. Business expenses are usually deductible. NT

NT

[Bubzer]

68. That point is debatable... because it used to be illegal for pharma companies to advertise.

So far, we're the only industrialized country which allows the advertisement of pharmaceuticals.

[LiberalArkie]

62. I just caught the "Cap at $250 per month". That is outrageously high. But I guess it isn't bad

when you are in the top 10% though.

[Eric J in MN]

63. Under that plan, drug company profiteering continues

...and the insurance companies get soaked, and our premiums go up.

Drug companies should be nationalized. Drug research and sales should serve the public interest.

If nationalization is too bold, then at least require regulatory approval for any drug-price hike over 4%.

[Lychee2]

74. +1. Good post.

[Sunlei]

75. good idea. 4% over cost and over 4% profit-80% Federal tax to go to healthcare subsities.

[Doctor_J]

106. Anything Clinton comes up with will be corporation friendly.

My costs went from $500 annually to $8500 thanks to the ACA. A President Clinton will probably bankrupt me.

[HassleCat]

78. I hope Obama's critics will consider this

People are always hounding the president because he didn't get single payer, left some loopholes in the law, etc. Well look at what Clinton is proposing. It's some minor tinkering around the periphery of the ACA, certainly nothing very bold or exciting. This is about all candidates dare to propose, since real health insurance reform would prompt screams of "Socialism!" Clinton saw what happened to Bernie Sanders when he proposed universal health care at an alleged cost of $15 trillion. She's not going to let the same thing happen to her. This milquetoast plan is what the Democratic front runner proposes for health insurance reform, so I hope people will stop calling Obama weak and timid, etc.

[GeorgeGist]

100. Sounds like a good start but $250 is much to high.

[DonCoquixote]

103. between this and keystone

I am hoping this is a lean to the left..if so...Ms. Clinton, please do so.

[Doctor_J]

104. Only 2 weeks after Sanders introduced legislation to lower drug prices

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027193454

That's our leader!