Quotes by Sharon Treat

“The overall trend for many years now is that drug prices go up substantially more than the rate of inflation, and that continues to be the case. Even though its up less than in the previous quarter, it is still a substantial increase, and this is added on to increases from previous quarters.”

“Drugs are overpriced in general, and because we are one of the only countries that truly does not negotiate or set prices, our consumers are paying the price.”

“Unless we take significant steps to address that, its going to continue to be the problem. States have attempted to address this, but are somewhat constrained in what theyre allowed to do. It raises the question of why Congress is not taking steps to amend this. As long as Congress doesnt act, I think youre going to see states be as creative as they can in doing something themselves.”

“The idea is to set up several programs and let the consumer choose, ... But the problem is that a competitive model isnt good for everyone.”

“Under this plan, the state will end up folding its own programs, such as Medicaid, into the federal one, ... That means theyll be charged for Medicaid costs anyway. The state may end up paying more for less.”

“This plan works for those on the lowest end of the income spread, ... But for most people, the way its set up, the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are going to make a killing.”

“On a drug-by-drug basis, someone could save well over $1,000 a year. For someone who is not covered by the soon-to-be-rolled out Medicare program and isnt elderly and doesnt have any coverage, $1,000 is huge. It explains why some people are doing this. It explains why at least 22 states this year looked at legislation addressing importation.”

“Maybe this is one way to move the federal government. Its a ridiculous way to be addressing the problem to go state by state, receiving threats from the government saying its illegal, and yet states are doing it anyway. It just shows how desperate they are to come up with anything to reduce drug prices for their citizens.”

“This is going to add fuel to the fire in terms of states frustration with the federal government.”

“Ultimately, we do have to fix the whole health care system in this country. But we dont have to wait for that to happen to get drug prices under control. We can do that now if the government would do the negotiating instead of turning over that job to private companies.”