Breaking down the prescription drug crisis: A battle for affordability and access
By willowt // 2025-10-07
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  • Americans pay two to four times more for prescription medications compared to other affluent nations.
  • Trump’s "Most Favored Nation" pricing policy has shown modest success in lowering drug prices.
  • Patients face bureaucratic hurdles and delays in obtaining essential medications.
  • Some countries leverage national health plans to control drug pricing.
  • Policymakers discuss comprehensive approaches to regulate the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The United States faces a pressing issue in the realm of healthcare: sky-high prescription drug prices. A recent government study initiated by Senator Bernie Sanders reveals that Americans pay two to four times more for prescription medications compared to other affluent nations. Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office's analysis underlines that American consumers and insurers paid, on average, 2.82 times more than Canadians, 4.25 times more than Australians, and 4.36 times more than the French in 2020 for selected medicines within Medicare Part D.

Trump’s bold moves: Lowering drug prices

President Donald Trump has introduced several measures designed to lower prescription drug prices. In May 2025, Trump signed an executive order that ties the prices of some medicines in the U.S. to significantly lower prices abroad, reviving the controversial "Most Favored Nation" policy from his first term. This policy aims to bring "fairness to America" by lowering drug prices by 59 percent or more. Pfizer, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, has voluntarily agreed to the administration's demands, leading to substantial discounts for American patients. Despite legal challenges and opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, Trump's strategy seeks transparency and affordability in the U.S. healthcare system.

Patient battles: Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles

Sarah, Beth Kitchin and Sanie Mikaelian—three patients facing chronic illnesses—provide poignant examples of the difficulties faced by those seeking necessary medications. Sarah, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, faced an annual expenditure of $9,000 for medication, on top of other medical expenses. Beth Kitchin, battling leukemia and subsequent complications, paid a $1,800 monthly co-pay for her medication. Sanie Mikaelian, dealing with rare forms of blood cancer, experienced unpredictable delays and bureaucratic challenges in securing her treatments. The prior authorization process, while intended to manage costs, often results in delays that exacerbate the suffering of patients and their families.

National strategies and global comparisons

Countries like Australia, Canada and France have implemented national health plans that significantly lower prescription drug costs. Whereas prices for prescription drugs in America are generally set by pharmaceutical companies and negotiated by private insurers, Australia’s independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee evaluates new drugs for cost-effectiveness and negotiates prices with manufacturers. In Canada, the federal government sets maximum allowable prices based on therapeutic value, and the 13 provincial and territorial health plans negotiate jointly with manufacturers. France includes prescription drugs in its national health care system and caps total prescription spending. These strategies highlight the potential benefits and drawbacks of centralized pricing control, though they also introduce the risk of drug shortages.

The path forward

The disparate costs and challenges faced by American patients point to the urgency of reforming the U.S. healthcare system. While Trump's policies have shown modest success in lowering drug prices, a comprehensive approach is necessary. As Senator Thom Tillis suggests, policymakers must evaluate the entire pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure sustainable and equitable solutions. Without significant changes, patients like Sarah, Beth and Sanie will continue to grapple with bureaucratic hurdles and financial strain. Addressing this crisis demands a collective effort to prioritize patient needs over profit margins, ensuring access to affordable life-saving medications for all Americans.

A call for comprehensive reform

The stark contrast between the U.S. and other affluent nations in prescription drug costs underscores the need for transformative changes in the healthcare system. Reform must address not just the immediate prices but also the structural issues that perpetuate these disparities. By learning from the strategies employed by countries with national health plans and implementing broader reforms, the U.S. can work toward a healthcare system that truly prioritizes patients over profits. The path forward requires a commitment to transparency, affordability and patient access, ensuring that every American can afford the medications they need. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com TheEpochTimes.com Pfizer.com CNBC.com
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