"Do PBMs often exclude lower-cost generics in favor of high-cost branded drugs, effectively eliminating the benefit of the short patent on drugs?"
"Do you believe they do this to cash in on drug rebates at the expense of patients?"
"You also expressed concerns that PBMs, which are often vertically integrated with their own pharmacies, are using their pricing power to harm independent pharmacies."
"More competition in the market is better for every consumer. Less overreach from government, more competition in the private marketplace is better for everybody."
"The VA must take a more aggressive role in change management for the good of the 171 Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMCs) within it and the 9 million veterans enrolled in the system."
"I would love to see efficiency at the VA. I hope you make good on that promise."
"This is not an argument. We have 9 million veterans enrolled in this system, and I am trying to have a constructive conversation about how we move forward."
"I get angry when I hear some politicians talk about the IRA's benefits and none of the downsides."
"All of the experts, all of them--CBO, the CMS actuary, and private academics--agree that the IRA will result in fewer therapies."
"By exempting the program from the normal process, politicians and bureaucrats can set prices that impact our healthcare in secret."
"The Biden Administration should answer these questions, and this Committee should ask them."
"That inventory has been appropriately criticized in the press as being inconsistent and incomplete."