A growing number of states are looking to set up prescription drug affordability review boards to reel in soaring prescription drug prices. In most cases, the proposed boards would allow the states to set pricing caps for certain higher-cost drugs, as well as limit price increasing by drug makers. Yet, contrary to expectations, a new […]
Consumer Tips / Health
Consumer Advisory Committee Adopts a Recommendation for the FCC
In regard to FCC’s robocall blocking docket CG 17-59, the FCC’s Consumer Advisory Committee adopted a recommendation and filed it with the FCC. You read the recommendation here.
New Study: Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages — A Policy Failure
Since 2014, eight U.S. cities have implemented sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes. Several other cities and states are contemplating similar measures. SSB taxes are intended to curb sugar consumption and improve public health, but policymakers too often ignore the unintended consequences these measures provoke. This ConsumerGram examines the effects of SSB taxes, including their disproportionate impact […]
The Hill: Rx Middlemen Cost American Consumers Billions Each Year
It is no secret that the cost of prescription drugs is a major concern for Americans today. Around 79% of the public agree that the price of prescription medication is unreasonable. But while much attention is focused on the role of drug manufacturers, a new report details how almost half of consumer spending on brand-name […]
How Florida’s Auto-Claim Settlements Become Lavish
Following an accident that results in minor bodily injury or property damage, it is customary for parties to exchange insurance information, notify their insurers, and fix the damages. This trusts that both insurers are working toward an amicable settlement, allowing the parties to resume their lives. Automobile insurance is intended to make that process efficient […]
The Hill: Competition, Not Capping Increases, is the Cure for High Drug Prices
Soaring prescription drug prices are putting financial pressure on families across the country. In response, state legislators are increasingly considering limits on the annual price increase of prescription drugs. But rather than making drugs more affordable, these policies risk reducing consumer access to cheaper, generic alternatives. Read this op-ed in The Hill […]
Real Clear Health: Rx Price Transparency Is Key to Lowering Health Care Costs
The Trump administration’s recent efforts to increase transparency in hospital pricing have expectedly been met with legal push-back from the hospitals themselves. But shadowy hospital pricing is just the tip of the opaque iceberg that is driving up the costs of health care in America. To inject more competition into the industry, Congress and the […]
Daily Caller: Tariffs Haven’t Helped Americans This Christmas Season
With Christmas around the corner, tariffs could make holiday shopping a lot harder for millions of Americans. Concerned that America is getting a “bad deal” when it comes to trade, the President recently imposed metal tariffs on Argentina and Brazil while also threatening to do the same on a variety of French products. Yet, these […]
Real Clear Health: Patients Need Transparent Pricing from Surprise Bills
Action must be taken by health insurance companies to protect and work in the interest of their clients. We need price transparency in the healthcare market. In many cases consumers who have insurance are asked to sign a waiver that makes them responsible for any charge later found not to be covered by their insurance […]
Inside Sources: Massachusetts Unknowingly Made E-Cigarettes More Dangerous
The legislature recently banned all flavored e-cigarettes in the state while also instituting a 75 percent excise tax on the product — the highest in the nation. While the law was passed under the guise of protecting teen health, the only thing it has accomplished is making e-cigarettes more dangerous. You can read this op-ed […]