Bush does not wish to negotiate ...

[ACPlayer]

.... Now there may be merit to a position of not negotiating with terrorists but this story is mind boggling.

According to the Bush administration and apparently the CBO negotiating prices with a provider of goods is a bad idea. Better to just accept the goods at the proffered price.

Wierd story, but I would expect it from this administration.

[bobman0330]

"Government negotiation" of drug prices would basically be price fixing, would it not? I don't have any hard stats on how much of the prescription drug market is taken up by the government, but I suspect it's a healthy majority. Why should the government be able to use its market power to artificially lower the price of drugs? When Walmart does that to its suppliers, everyone starts sniffling.

[hmkpoker]

Just end the [censored] War on Drugs. Your percocet will cost as much your advil.

[ACPlayer]

[ QUOTE ]
"Government negotiation" of drug prices would basically be price fixing, would it not? I don't have any hard stats on how much of the prescription drug market is taken up by the government, but I suspect it's a healthy majority. Why should the government be able to use its market power to artificially lower the price of drugs? When Walmart does that to its suppliers, everyone starts sniffling.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps I am mistaken but this story is about the government purchases of drugs under medicare. It has nothing to do with how much PFE/SKB etc charge you and me or your insurance company.

[canis582]

Loc: Educating tiny minds

GL AC

How did so many people get brainwashed into supporting big business? Bobman, would you be upset to hear that the government heavily subsidizes the insurance and pharmaceutical industries? That messes with the market, too.

Edited to note that negotiating with drug companies works well in down under in Aussie land.