Inside STAT: Alex Azar chats with STAT about his relationship with President Trump, drug pricing, and winning over skeptical conservatives

ALEX AZAR SPEAKS WITH REPORTERS AT STAT IN BOSTON, MA. APRIL 9, 2019 (ALISSA AMBROSE/STAT)

HHS Secretary Alex Azar visited STAT headquarters in Boston yesterday, where he met with five reporters and editors. Much of the conversation was about drug prices, including the Trump administration’s signature proposal to cap Medicare drug prices based on prices in foreign countries. He talked about his several-times-a-week talks with the president about drug prices, and the time he has recently dedicated to discussing drug prices with lawmakers from both parties. But where he encounters opposition — at least on some drug pricing proposals — is with other Republicans. Even so, he’s optimistic. “I don’t think you’ve seen any Republican leadership or Republican chairman come out firmly against what we’re doing,” Azar says. “They’re remaining open minded and considering it.” Read about the rest of the conversation from STAT’s Lev Facher here.