Trump Administration Explores Major Reform to Lower U.S. Prescription Drug Prices
In what could mark a major shift in American healthcare policy, President Trump is reportedly considering a plan to reduce the high cost of prescription medications in the United States by aligning prices with those in other developed countries. The initiative, which sources say is being actively discussed by Trump’s advisors, seeks to make medications more affordable for American citizens, including many in the Orthodox Jewish community who bear significant healthcare expenses.
Prescription drug prices in the United States are among the highest in the world, often far exceeding the cost of identical medications in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. This discrepancy has long been a source of frustration for American families, including many within the frum community, where large families and limited access to broad insurance coverage can amplify the financial burden of healthcare. The proposal under consideration would attempt to address this issue by implementing a system known as international reference pricing, wherein the prices of certain high-cost drugs would be capped based on the average prices charged in a select group of other nations.
According to people familiar with the discussions, the Trump campaign is working closely with policy experts and former administration officials to formulate a workable plan. While no official platform has yet been released, the move signals that healthcare affordability remains a key concern for the former president and could become a major issue in the upcoming election cycle.
The concept of international reference pricing was previously introduced during Trump’s first term in office, particularly through a proposal known as the “Most Favored Nation” rule, which aimed to tie Medicare drug prices to the lower costs available abroad. That effort faced legal challenges and strong opposition from pharmaceutical companies, and it was eventually withdrawn before taking full effect. However, the idea remains popular among many American voters, especially those who struggle to afford necessary medications. Now, with a renewed political mandate, Trump and his team are reportedly re-evaluating how to implement a version of the policy in a way that is both legally sound and politically viable.
Pharmaceutical companies have historically argued that the high cost of medications in the U.S. helps fund innovation and research. However, critics contend that this justification does not excuse the enormous profits often reported by these corporations, especially when those profits come at the expense of patients unable to afford basic medications. The Trump proposal, while still in the early stages, would likely face resistance from these powerful industry interests. Nonetheless, Trump’s advisors believe that there is growing bipartisan consensus on the need to reform drug pricing—something that could give the policy a better chance of succeeding this time around.
It is important to note that the details of any new plan remain in development, and it is unclear how it would be implemented if Trump were elected again. Still, the broader message of the initiative reflects a desire to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens over corporate interests, a theme that may resonate strongly with many within the Torah community who often feel overlooked by broader healthcare policy.
In addition to drug pricing, Trump has expressed support for expanding access to affordable generic medications and promoting transparency in medical billing—efforts that also aim to ease the financial strain on patients. If elected, he would likely revisit many of these issues, as healthcare affordability remains a top concern for many American families.