WASHINGTON — Congressman Greg Walden, a key House Republican for pharmaceutical policy, suggested this week that President Trump wants to encourage drug makers to enter value-based contracts with private health plans and the government insurance programs. Maybe that’s what the president has meant all along in his vague promises to change bidding and negotiations.
If that’s true, the drug industry could actually see some federal policy changes it has long sought.
Industry officials have been talking incessantly about shifting the conversation to one of value — instead of price — since drug makers came under fire. One top official told STAT prior to the pharma CEO meeting with Trump that it’s a conversation the industry is eager to have. Some early experiments are already underway in value-based contracts between private insurers and drug companies.
