Wrong Direction on Medicare Drugs

The rumors coming out of the super committee on Medicare “reform” are a real lesson in the importance of putting good policy above achieving budgetary targets (especially since the goals are not really in conflict).  As beautifully laid out by Grace-Marie Turner, short-sided interference with Part B’s market-based “ASP” drug payment system could lead to diminished access and perversely higher spending.Her critique of the latest versions of these proposals echoes the analysis conducted at the American Action Forum.

A super committee deal built on these kinds of policy foundations would be a pyrrhic victory indeed.