Today at Let’sTalkRX -
Donald Trump has long cited his advanced skills as a deal maker, and superior business acumen among his chief qualifications to be president. But he also has a 5-year record of performance in office
Let’sTalkRX wants to know what you think.
Has President Trump been a good deal maker for America?
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Today at Let’sTalkRX -
Why Drug Prices Are Rising, Even with Trump's Deals
The president announced signature price-reduction deals with major pharmaceutical companies but many of those same companies still raised prices on brand-name drugs this year.
During the Trump presidency, the administration promoted voluntary agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers designed to curb rising drug costs and bring U.S. prices closer to those paid in other wealthy countries. The goal was straightforward: slow price growth without waiting for lengthy legislative changes.
But drug pricing is complicated. The recent reporting indicates that many companies that signed these agreements still raised prices in early 2026. These increases didn’t always affect what’s advertised on television, but they did touch medications used every day by millions of Americans.
Experts point to several reasons:
The agreements focused on certain pricing mechanisms, not all list prices.
Drugmakers retain broad control over annual price adjustments.
Voluntary deals lack strong enforcement tools.
In short, the agreements were not a guarantee against price hikes—and patients are feeling the gap between policy promises and real-world costs.
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Today at Let’sTalkRX -
What “List Price” Really Means at the Pharmacy
“List price” is the manufacturer’s official price before insurance discounts, rebates, or negotiations kick in.
Why does that matter to you?
If you’re uninsured, the list price may be close to what you pay.
If you have insurance with coinsurance (a percentage of the drug’s cost), higher list prices can mean higher out-of-pocket bills.
Deductibles are often based on list price, not the discounted amount insurers may receive.
Even people with solid insurance can feel the impact. When list prices rise, patients often see the effects slowly but steadily—especially at the start of a new plan year.
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Today at Let’sTalkRX -
How to Protect Your Wallet in 2026
While patients can’t control drug company pricing, there are practical steps that can help reduce costs. Think of these as tools you can use every time you refill a prescription.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
Ask if a lower-cost generic or therapeutic alternative is available.
Don’t assume your prescription is the cheapest option—it may not be.
Review your insurance coverage
Formularies change every year. A drug covered last year may now cost more.
Ask your insurer about preferred alternatives within the same drug class.
Use discount programs wisely
Pharmacy discount cards and manufacturer assistance programs can sometimes lower out-of-pocket costs, especially for brand-name drugs.
These programs won’t work for everyone, but they’re worth checking.
