“. . . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.” â Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence
OK, so the above is far from the most famous text in the document that gave birth to our country 242 years ago. Yet it seems to speak poignantly to a problem that is so unique to this great nation.
In case you missed it earlier this week, Pfizer and some other drug-makers announced price increases on hundreds of medications for the second time this year. Apparently, this is how they like to celebrate holidays. They rang in the New Year the same way.
Following the unveiling of President Trump’s grand plan to combat high drug prices, there was talk—perhaps even expectation—of the industry voluntarily reducing prices on some products. Instead, it’s yet another blow. Another example of utter disregard for public opinion, the “outrage” from Washington, and most of all the people who depend on their products.
Of course, the drug-makers aren’t solely to blame here. They’re simply exploiting a system made and manipulated by their profiteering partners. Because they can. Much like King George III and the Redcoats could operate in the Colonies.
This must be how our Founding Fathers and the colonists felt after the Currency, Stamp, Sugar, Quartering, Tea and Townsend Acts were repeatedly imposed on them in the years leading up to the Revolution. When will we see a pharma version of the Boston Tea Party in this country?
If only it were that easy. In 1776, we didn’t need Mother England or King George’s tyranny. But millions of Americans need medication in order to live to see tomorrow. We can’t cut ourselves off from medicine manufacturers and drive them across the Atlantic. But as consumers, we can demand change.
Rather than simply accept the price we’re told to pay for medications, let’s fight back by finding and buying those that do the same thing but at a lower cost. A lot of powerful interests want to keep that information out of our hands, so that their prices and profits can continue to climb. Let’s disrupt this tyrannical regime.
In a time of deep divisions in this country, here is one issue on which we can all agree and unite, even take a stand. No need to grab your musket and three-cornered hat. Technology is the best weapon we have, and information is powerful ammunition.
From all of us at Rx Savings Solutions, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day.
