Pills move through a precision weighing machine at a pharmaceutical manufacturers trade show on March 21, 2006 in New York. Photo: Mark Lennihan/AP
In 2022, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and at least two federal courts took a clear stance against pharmaceutical manufacturers’ attempts to offer cost-sharing subsidies to Medicare beneficiaries for certain drugs, despite the thoughtful methods by which these subsidies are being offered. OIG’s stated concerns are consistently increased risk of fraud, usurpation of the legislative function, and price inflation.
However, industry is fighting back. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and lobbying groups are challenging these administrative restrictions in a concerted effort to increase access to life-saving medications.
