Wyden Seeks Input on New Policies to Lower Drug Prices

Wyden Seeks Input on New Policies to Lower Drug Prices

Following Release of Dear Colleague Letter Outlining Principles, Finance Ranking Member Releases More Than Two Dozen Proposals for Feedback That Would Reform Pharmaceutical Pricing, Bolster Innovation

Text of the Request for Information (PDF)

Washington, D.C. - Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released a request for information on a host of proposals aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs, as a part of Senate Democrats' work to make health care affordable for all Americans.

"Americans are still paying too much for prescription drugs, and Senate Democrats are rolling up their sleeves to make them more affordable for families," Wyden said. "While Trump has busied himself giving showy sweetheart deals to Big Pharma with the alleged benefits for families kept secret, Democrats are working hard to meaningfully lower prices and invest in the valuable treatments of the future. I am seeking input from all over the country to help build a drug pricing system that works for everybody."

The request for information focuses on three policy objectives:

• Lowering the price manufacturers charge for prescription drugs

• Lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients

• Fostering biopharmaceutical innovation in areas of unmet need, bolstering domestic clinical trials, and recruiting and maintaining scientific talent

In February, Wyden launched an effort to identify the next generation of Democratic health care reforms, beginning with prescription drugs. He is joined by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.; Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.; and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Finance Committee minority staff and the involved Senate offices completed listening sessions with more than 70 external organizations representing patients, consumers and their advocates, academic researchers, think tanks, health insurers, and pharmaceutical companies to solicit initial ideas and feedback.

The full request for information is here.

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