In this episode of Healthcare Matters, our hosts unpack the evolving conversation around drug pricing reform—focusing on a new proposal often referred to as “TrumpRx.” Drawing from Robert’s recent co-authored article The Promise of TrumpRx, they explore how direct-to-consumer purchasing, pricing transparency, and reforming the rebate-driven PBM system could reshape what patients actually pay at the pharmacy counter.

Robert breaks down how PBMs influence list prices, why rebate contracting misaligns incentives, and how deductibles and co-insurance calculations leave many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, paying more than they should. The conversation also outlines four key policy changes that would be necessary for any TrumpRx-style model to meaningfully benefit patients, including allowing cash prices to count toward deductibles and extending transparency to both employers and consumers.

The conversation explores how upcoming policy shifts, including changes tied to the IRA, may influence drug affordability and how clearer pricing information could help patients make more informed decisions about their care.

You can read Robert’s full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/promise-trumprx-robert-popovian-vskne/

To watch all the interviews we captured at ACR, visit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf0iG26PiXMtANSCb4wklzYdqPueqUNdx&si=5TK2MbGJNcyGv9GC

You can find all Informed Immunity episodes here: https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

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