Why Drugs Cost So Much: All Animals Are Equal but Some are More Equal Than Others

The drug industry is lobbying furiously:

The primary trade group for the pharmaceutical industry spent $4.7 million in the second quarter lobbying the federal government on prices that federal health programs pay for prescription medicines and on other issues including patents, drug shortages and reimportation of drugs, according to a quarterly disclosure report.

And:

lobbied on implementation of aspects of the 2010 health care overhaul, including prices and rebates for drugs bought through the Medicare program, strengthening Medicare anti-fraud measures and eliminating an independent payment advisory board meant to hold down Medicare spending.

The article also highlights those former government officials currently lobbying their former colleagues on this issue.

Medicynical Note: Read the article. PhRMA opposes anything that will decrease drug prices. Consumer interest, value, access to less expensive drugs all are opposed by this group.

Since our esteemed Supreme Court ruled that corporations are citizens with equal rights to individuals, it appears that George Orwell’s truism from Animal farm has finally come to fruition. “All animals are equal but some are more equal than others.”