U.S. President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders are set to join forces at the White House, aiming to spotlight their joint endeavors in reducing the expense of asthma inhalers, an issue affecting millions of Americans.
Sanders, along with fellow lawmakers, voiced criticism towards major inhaler manufacturers like AstraZeneca, Boehringer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and GSK, highlighting disparaging price gaps between the U.S. market and others.
In an effort to enhance competition and lower costs, the Biden administration has intensified its crackdown on purportedly dubious patents associated with inhalers.
Significantly, three out of four manufacturers have opted to cap inhaler costs at $35, a pivotal development in alleviating financial burdens for asthma patients.
With an estimated 27 million Americans, including over four million children, grappling with asthma, the White House underscores the urgency of addressing this healthcare concern.
Biden’s commitment to curbing healthcare expenses extends to his 2024 re-election campaign, where he emphasizes the importance of making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
The White House event will also showcase the successful implementation of measures like the Inflation Reduction Act, which imposes a $2,000 ceiling on Medicare prescription drugs and a $35 cap on insulin.
Furthermore, Biden will advocate for expanding Medicare’s scope in negotiating drug prices with pharmaceutical firms, from 10 to 50, marking a pivotal stride in healthcare reform.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 empowers Medicare to negotiate prices for prescription drugs, targeting those previously deemed prohibitively expensive for the federal health program, which caters to millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities.