Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
The Trump administration is sending new signs that it will go ahead with the next round of Medicare drug price negotiations — but may put its own twist on Democrats' signature legislative achievement.
Why it matters: Although the new administration has put a target on energy and environmental provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act and paused a large swath of federal programs, CMS put out a statement saying lowering drug prices is a priority for the president.
Driving the news: "As the second cycle begins under the Trump Administration, CMS is committed to incorporating lessons learned to date from the program and to considering opportunities to bring greater transparency in the negotiation program," the agency said Wednesday.
- To be sure, that leaves room for unspecified changes to the program.
- HHS Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at his confirmation hearing Thursday that President Trump is "absolutely committed to negotiating lower drug prices."
Between the lines: Trump's attitude toward the drug negotiation program had been a major question, given that he backed the idea in his first campaign but opposed House Democrats' attempts to enact them.
- Now the program is set in statute, and Trump is tasked with carrying it out.
What they're saying: The drug pricing advocacy group Patients for Affordable Drugs praised the announcement.
- "We are very pleased to see the Medicare prescription drug program move forward under the Trump Administration," said the group's president, David Mitchell.
Yes, but: It is possible that Trump will change his mind or that his changes will alter the timeline or be industry-friendly.
- "As always, the devil is in the details — patients need to see strong negotiation that delivers the kind of deep price cuts achieved in the first round, where list prices were reduced by over 60% on average," Mitchell added.
