The Democrats are at it again, peddling their narrative about “negotiating” prescription drug prices as if they’ve discovered the philosopher’s stone of healthcare reform. But let’s be aware their approach is as flawed as their understanding of economics. Here are three glaring truths that expose the Democrats’ so-called “negotiations” for what they are: a sham, a constitutional dilemma, and a disservice to Medicare beneficiaries.
The Illusion of Negotiation
First, talk about the Democrats’ favorite buzzword: “negotiation.” The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a list of 10 drugs they plan to “negotiate” prices for. But let’s be clear: These aren’t negotiations; they’re socialist price controls masquerading as free-market interactions. The law sets a “maximum fair price,” determining the outcome before the talks begin. Companies that don’t play along face two draconian options: astronomical taxes or exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid. So much for the land of the free!
Why did Democrats design the program this way? Simple. The term “negotiation” is more palatable to the American public than “socialist price controls,” which is what this program essentially is. Even the Congressional Budget Office has long maintained that government-run “negotiations” would not yield any budgetary savings without some form of coercion. In essence, this is less of a negotiation and more of a stick-up, with the government playing the role of the robber.
A Constitutional Minefield
Secondly, let’s discuss the constitutionality of this farce. Over the past few weeks, multiple lawsuits have been filed against the program, alleging violations of the Fifth, Eighth, and First Amendments. While it remains to be seen how these cases will fare in court, it’s plausible that the Supreme Court could weigh in on this debacle. Democrats, in their haste to appear as saviors, may have trampled on the Constitution they swore to uphold.
Robbing Medicare to Pay for Pork
Lastly, let’s not forget how Democrats have used Medicare as their piggy bank. They siphoned over $700 billion from Medicare to fund the Obamacare fiasco. They are now using Medicare “savings” to finance other pet projects, like subsidies for electric cars and hiring thousands of new IRS employees. Medicare is already on shaky financial ground, and instead of bolstering it, Democrats are diverting funds to serve their agenda.
The Democrats’ drug “negotiation” program is a sham that undermines free-market principles, poses constitutional risks, and jeopardizes the financial stability of Medicare. But then again, what else can we expect from a party more interested in increasing government control than genuinely helping the American people? It’s time to see through the smoke and mirrors and recognize this program for its flawed initiative.