The San Diego Union-Tribune (5/31, Fikes) reported a new study conducted by Scripps Research found that drug rebates may be contributing to “soaring” drug prices. Researchers who “used proprietary data from Blue Cross/Blue Shield on insurance claims by more than 35 million Americans” found that the “median price of 49 top-selling brand name drugs rose 76 percent over six years,” and 48 increased in price. The study indicates the “lack of transparency on actual drug prices, along with American patent law, enable these price increases,” and while rebates “give the appearance of price reductions, they are based on ever-increasing list prices.” The findings appear “in JAMA Network Open, published by the American Medical Association.”
Related Links:
— “Price of top prescription drugs rises 76% over 6 years, Scripps Research study finds, “Bradley J. Fikes, The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 31, 2019