Healthcare Reform Bill Endorsed By Big Pharma

For those skeptics that questioned Obama’s healthcare package (HR 3200) all along, yes you nailed it. This bill doesn’t even pass the smell test.

What’s wrong with it? The core issues of change are simply not there. Obama has predictably caved into the demands of K Street. Big Pharma is all over the bill. And AARP supports this bill?

Gooznews says it all about the legislation:

1.  Will not allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, a core Democratic demand promised BY candidate Barack Obama;
2.  Will not contain even a mildly restrictive drug formulary, where Medicare establishes a “don’t buy” list of drugs where there clearly are cheaper and equally effective alternatives;
3.  Will give Big Pharma and other provider interests a seat at the table when comparative effective research priorities get established, ensuring that medical arenas with huge potential for cost savings go unaddressed;
4.  Will give biotech firms at least 12 ½ years of market exclusivity for their drugs before biogenerics are allowed to enter the market, extending their high-price marketing period beyond patent expiration if necessary.

Much of the rhetoric in the media fails to address the key issues. There are far too many distractions. Views from the left and the right, etc.

Here’s what really matters. If government fails in losing bargaining power with drug companies, and fails to allow competition to aid in lowering drug prices, the bill has no strength whatsoever. This healthcare will not be sustainable; and the price tag will be just as expensive, if not more so.

Another win for Big Pharma. Another loss for America.