US pharma lobby opposes new Medicare price powers

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is to oppose what it calls “flawed price-setting proposals,” arguing instead for changes to the way Medicare covers and pays for medicines, including biosimilars.

PhRMA said it “supports manufacturers providing an additional discount to Medicare Part B, such as a market-based adjustment in Part B that would allow the government and seniors to benefit from more of the savings already negotiated in the commercial market.”

In contrast, The White House has supported a plan to allow Medicare to negotiate prices for high-cost prescription drugs, including from pharmacies (Medicare Part D) and doctors (Medicare Part B).