Don't expect to see the wholesale prices of drugs in TV ads anytime soon...
One day before Trump's new disclosure rule was set to go into effect, a federal judge has now blocked the government from forcing drug companies to disclose those wholesale prices. The U.S. District Court judge noted that the Department of Health and Human Services doesn't have the authority to force drug companies to list prices, only Congress can impose such a rule.
“Today’s ruling is a step backward in the battle against skyrocketing drug prices,” AARP vice president Nancy LeaMond said in a statement. “Americans should be trusted to evaluate drug price information and discuss any concerns with their health care providers.”
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta did admit however that having drug prices publicized could help bring down prescription costs.
"No matter how vexing the problem of spiraling drug costs may be, HHS cannot do more than what Congress has authorized," Mehta wrote. "The responsibility rests with Congress to act in the first instance.”
According to Mehta, the Department of Health and Human Services will now work on the case.
Check out more details on the New York Times.