Inside STAT: Trump could use a last-minute maneuver to lower drug prices before the election

With two months to go until the presidential election — when not much policymaking usually takes place — drug industry lobbyists are worried that President Trump could use a rare regulatory maneuver to lower drug prices. Known as an interim final rule, it can be used to bypass the usual arduous steps in place before enacting what would be a dramatic overhaul of America’s drug pricing system. This rule would affect the "most favored nations" policy, which could drastically impact how much the U.S. pays for injectable drugs by tying reimbursement to the lower prices that some other countries pay. STAT's Nicholas Florko took a closer look at lobbyists' concerns — and how health care could be impacted if this rule is invoked. STAT Plus subscribers can read more here.