Trump unveils TrumpRx discount drug site
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The White House on Thursday launched its TrumpRx discount drug website, offering a new option for people wanting to pay cash for prescription drugs instead of using insurance.
Why it matters: The site is a key part of President Trump's efforts to lower health costs but isn't expected to significantly affect drug prices, since most Americans will likely have access to cheaper medicines through their health plans.
How it works: The site features discounts that the Trump administration has negotiated with drug companies, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
- People can't buy drugs directly from the site. Instead, it's a landing page with links that take them to pharmaceutical companies' direct-to-consumer purchasing platforms, or coupons that can be presented at a pharmacy.
- A prescription is needed to purchase the drugs, which will have to be validated by the pharmacy filling the order, the White House confirmed to Axios.
- People who have health insurance could still opt to pay cash for a product on the site — but they may find that the amount they spend doesn't count toward their deductible or annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Trump unveiled the site in a nationally televised Oval Office appearance.
- "People are going to save a lot of money and be healthy," Trump said.
- He was joined by officials including Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Mehmet Oz, and National Design Studio Director Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb who served on Trump's Department of Government Efficiency task force.
Between the lines: The platform is part of a broader push to move some patients to cash purchases. That allows drug companies to selectively discount certain medicines but still keep prices for other drugs high.
- "You should not be buying drugs anymore going forward without at least checking to see if those medications are available at the discounted prices on TrumpRx.gov," Oz said.
- The officials did not mention health insurance or TrumpRx's interaction with existing drug coverage. The site advises people with insurance to check if the covered cost of a drug is lower.
- Trump struck drug pricing deals with the participating drug companies that called for listing selected medications on TrumpRx. The administration hasn't disclosed specifics of the deals, citing their confidential nature.
- Democrats in Congress have raised concerns about the legality of TrumpRx and potential conflicts of interest.
The platform could make blockbuster GLP-1 drugs more accessible, since many insurers don't cover the pricey medications for weight-loss.
- For example, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 injections are available on TrumpRx starting at $199 per month for the first two months. Prices then increase to $349 per month.
- Oral GLP-1 tablets for obesity will be available at $149 per month for a starting dose.
Our thought bubble: TrumpRx could speed up the trend of Americans bypassing health insurance for speedier, less restricted care.
- It has the political appeal of offering a new option for drug purchases — even if it turns out to be not that much cheaper.
Go deeper: Patients may not gain much from Trump drug price deals
Editor's note: The story has been updated with additional reporting.
