Lawmakers talk drug prices and pain treatment

Lawmakers are turning their attention to a handful of health care issues today. Here’s what’s happening in the capital today: 

• At an event today at the National Press Club, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) are talking about how to make sure patients can access new therapies. They'll be joined by pharma and insurance industry leaders, patients, and providers.
• The House Ways and Means Committee is holding a meeting on prescription drug prices and will hear from health policy experts, including Rachel Sachs of Washington University in St. Louis and Mark Miller of Arnold Ventures. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Alex Azar is speaking about drug pricing at the American Medical Association's advocacy conference. 
• Doctors, pain researchers, and an advocate from the U.S. Pain Foundation will testify at a Senate health committee hearing on pain management amid the opioid crisis.