The Trump administration has unveiled a new initiative called “TrumpRx,” an effort to lower prescription drug costs through a partnership with Pfizer. However, the plan’s details raise significant questions about its scope and how much relief Americans will actually experience.
The program is based on a May 12 executive order aimed at establishing “Most-Favored-Nation” (MFN) pricing, which seeks to align U.S. drug costs with the lower prices paid in other developed nations.
Set to launch in 2026, the plan will create a government website, TrumpRx.gov, where consumers can purchase Pfizer’s prescription drugs directly. This model is designed to bypass intermediaries like pharmacy benefit managers, such as CVS Caremark and OptumRx.
The need for more affordable medication is critical. According to a 2023 KFF poll, over 60% of U.S. adults take at least one prescription drug, and 55% worry about their ability to afford them. Nearly a third of respondents reported not taking their medications as prescribed due to cost, leading to poorer health outcomes. High U.S. drug prices are often attributed to a deregulatory environment that places limited constraints on pharmaceutical pricing.
While the White House promises “many millions of dollars in savings,” the announcement specified discounts on only three Pfizer drugs: Eucrisia (80%), Xeljanz (40%), and Zavzpret (50%). It is unclear what, if any, benefit will be available for patients who use medications from other major manufacturers like Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, or Merck.
Even with the announced discounts, the final costs may remain prohibitive. For instance, a 40% reduction on Xeljanz, which has a list price of over $6,000, still leaves a $3,600 bill—a significant expense in a country where most Americans cannot cover a $1,000 emergency.
Furthermore, it is uncertain how the program will benefit Medicaid patients, as their copayments are already federally capped at minimal amounts. For insured patients, payments made through TrumpRx.gov likely would not count toward annual deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums, potentially increasing their total healthcare spending over a year.
The initiative also appears to conflict with other administration policies. Trump has voiced opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped insulin costs at $35 a month for Medicare patients, and has supported cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The administration also recently imposed 100% tariffs on some pharmaceuticals, a measure that typically increases drug costs.
While the goal of reducing high prescription drug prices is vital, the TrumpRx plan, as detailed, leaves its potential for widespread, meaningful relief for American patients in question.
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