Democrats dare Trump to talk drug prices during State of the Union

President Trump is expected to focus on his reelection bid in tonight’s State of the Union address, but Democrats who spoke with STAT say any mention of health care issues is likely to draw attention to Trump’s lack of significant accomplishments in this arena. One topic the White House hinted might get a nod in tonight’s speech is high drug prices — but the current administration has done little to lower prescription costs. House Democrats recently passed aggressive legislation so Medicaid can negotiate lower drug costs, but Trump has vowed to veto it. Other health topics are similarly fraught — Congress hasn’t reached an agreement to outlaw “surprise” medical bills, and the administration’s attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act are still tied up in courts.