Pharma companies have to disclose drug prices in TV ads

The Trump administration will now require drug companies to disclose sticker prices in TV ads, a move that’s intended to lower costs. “Patients have a right to know, and if you’re ashamed of your drug prices, change your drug prices,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar told reporters yesterday. The new policy, which should take effect this summer and applies to drugs that cost more than $35 for a monthly supply, is likely to be challenged by drug makers. Johnson & Johnson has already begun including prices in ads, although other companies include a link that people can visit for pricing information, a move that Azar said would still violate the new mandate. And although HHS can’t force compliance, it is hoping that companies sue each other over so-called deceptive trade practices to enforce the rule.