STAT+: Trump boast on drug pricing policy overstated state-level interest in federal program

Some states say that are still weighing participation in Medicaid initiative From left, CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, President Trump, and health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the White House on Friday.Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. WASHINGTON — Trump administration officials last Friday touted the success of their drug pricing policy, saying every U.S. state had agreed to participate in a federal initiative designed to provide lower prices to state Medicaid programs. “It’s such a good deal that every state realized they need to take it,” Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said at a White House event. But officials in several states told STAT they’re actually still undecided on whether to participate — even if they did technically apply — and others are still trying to determine whether the federal initiative, called the GENEROUS model, actually offers a better deal than what they get through existing rebates from drugmakers. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.