Congress Should Reject Heavy-Handed Government Intervention in the Pharmacy Benefit Marketplace That Would Hike Costs
A recent study from the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) raises important concerns about proposed government regulations in the health care market. The analysis warns lawmakers that regulatory overreach would increase costs, limit consumer choice and restrict access to medications.
CEI economist Jeremy Nighohossian emphasizes:
“When it comes to building a system that works better for you, the free market is the best medicine.”
And yet, some policymakers are proposing government mandates in the private market, including in the most recent minibus text, that would allow the government to dictate a single-payer system when it comes to drug coverage. Nighohossian warns against allowing the government to make these decisions:
“Some policymakers have decided it is necessary to interfere in the market and try to direct it to predetermined outcomes… These proposals are misguided and ill-conceived. Policymakers should reject them and let consumers drive the decisions.”
What are voters saying? A national survey conducted by President Trump’s longtime pollster John McLaughlin shows that Americans overwhelmingly oppose pharma-backed government intervention that would rig the private market to keep prices high and hike premiums for working Americans. Specifically, half of voters are more likely to support candidates who protect employer choice in health care over those who back mandating government interference in the private health care marketplace.
Policymakers should listen to voters and reject government intervention in the prescription drug marketplace that would hike costs for Americans. Consumer choice, rather than government interference, has proven to be the most effective driver of affordability in the marketplace.
