Let's make a difference for the people whom we represent--for those patients in hospitals who I once treated who otherwise would not have access to care.

I think I recall a couple of years ago there was a study that was shown, respected, and you probably know it better than I, that $2 million for gene therapy for ultra-rare diseases was a reasonable sort of--it would cover the cost.

Now, the affordability though, we are defining affordability for the patient. So, if Medicaid covers it, it is by definition affordable for the patient, or if the insurance does.

without the profit incentive, you will not get the innovation.

If you are telling voters you are going to do something when you know at the get go you have no legislative solution which emerges, and that is why folks don't trust.

For the sake of those who are watching, a rebate wall is an anti-competitive tool which can be used to restrict a competitor's entry into a formulary.

Now, value-based purchasing could obviously play a role here.

Have you had a chance to evaluate the bill that is working its way through Judiciary Committee?

I think I recall a couple of years ago there was a study that was shown, respected, and you probably know it better than I, that $2 million for gene therapy for ultra-rare diseases was a reasonable sort of--it would cover the cost.

Now, the affordability though, we are defining affordability for the patient. So, if Medicaid covers it, it is by definition affordable for the patient, or if the insurance does.

It is kind of following a formula. Republicans--we publicly attack private--I don't but others, publicly attack private citizens for being successful under capitalism.

clearly, patents are part of the free market system, is the way that you protect intellectual property, and you incent creativity.

Let's just be clear, everybody on this panel cares about the high cost of prescription drugs and wants to work on real solutions to address this.

The people of Kansas sent me here to save Medicare. To save Medicare, I need a miracle drug to treat Alzheimer's.

somebody is paying. Yes, insurance is making it more affordable. Medicaid is making it more affordable. Medicare is making it more affordable.

If you have got an initial high price, no matter what your value-based purchasing arrangement is, it could still be something which society could not afford.

It is kind of following a formula. Republicans--we publicly attack private--I don't but others, publicly attack private citizens for being successful under capitalism.

I have been concerned that we don't really know how we are going to price those.