United News of Bangladesh

The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled TrumpRx, a new government-backed website it says will help Americans access prescription drugs at lower prices, as rising health care expenses and living costs remain a major concern for households. President Donald Trump, speaking at the launch event, said the initiative would significantly reduce costs for patients and benefit the broader health care system. “You’re going to save a fortune,” he said, adding that the move would have a positive impact on overall care. TrumpRx does not sell medicines directly. Instead, the website serves as a hub that directs consumers to pharmaceutical companies’ direct-to-consumer platforms, where drugs can be purchased, and also offers discount coupons for use at retail pharmacies. At launch, the site features more than 40 medications, including popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Trump urges US to move on from Epstein amid ongoing scrutiny The rollout is part of the administration’s broader effort to demonstrate action on affordability, an issue that has become politically sensitive ahead of the November midterm elections, as Americans continue to worry about the costs of housing, food, utilities and other essentials. Trump said the lower prices were achieved by pressing drugmakers to charge Americans the same prices as those offered in other developed countries. He argued that this would end what he described as the United States subsidizing cheaper medicines abroad, even if prices rise in foreign markets as a result. While the administration is highlighting what it calls substantial discounts, the real impact on household spending remains uncertain. The website notes that listed prices reflect out-of-pocket costs and that people with insurance may pay less. It also acknowledges that some patients may find cheaper options through generic alternatives. Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, praised the initiative, describing it as a major shift in access to care. He claimed that lower prices for weight-loss drugs could lead to significant health improvements nationwide and suggested that reduced costs for fertility treatments could boost birth rates. Trump first announced plans for TrumpRx in September, alongside the first of more than 15 agreements with pharmaceutical companies aimed at lowering U.S. drug prices to match the lowest levels in comparable countries. In December, he said the platform would offer “massive discounts,” though it remains unclear whether prices on manufacturers’ sites will consistently undercut what many insured consumers already pay. The website’s launch followed several delays that the administration has not publicly explained. Initial expectations last year pointed to a release before the end of 2025, with another planned launch in late January also postponed. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly highlighted his administration’s efforts to curb prescription drug prices, including agreements with major manufacturers such as Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Merck. Under these deals, some Medicaid drug prices are set to align with “most favored nations” rates, and certain new medicines are to be introduced to consumers at discounted prices through TrumpRx. US launches plan to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals However, many details of the agreements remain unclear, and drug costs in the United States continue to vary widely based on factors such as insurance coverage and market competition. Most Americans are shielded from full prices through employer-based insurance, private plans or government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Separately, the administration has also secured lower prices for several drugs for Medicare beneficiaries through a direct negotiation program established under a 2022 law.