Trump signs EO to lower insulin to 3 cents, epinephrine to $15 for low-income patients

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order meant to lower insulin costs to as low as $0.03 and injectable epinephrine to $15 for low-income patients in America.

The order, aimed at lowering prescription drug costs for Americans overall, is not just targeting insulin and epinephrine, but is also aimed at "standardizing Medicare payments for prescription drugs, such as cancer treatments, regardless of where the patient receives care," a fact sheet on the order stated that the order will "lower prices by as much as 60%."

It will also improve the "Medicare Drug Pricing Negotiation Program in order to eclipse the 22% in savings achieved in the program’s first year," the release stated. 

Along with these measures, the order directs the "administration to develop reforms to promote a more competitive, transparent, efficient, and resilient prescription drug value chain," adding to other moves Trump has taken in order to reduce prices at medical facilities and hospitals to be upfront and transparent, allowing for more competitive pricing. Trump also said that he will be using the order to create drug importation programs to lower the cost of prescription drugs for states.  

Additionally, the order "increases the availability of generics and biosimila[r]" drugs, which can allow for a drop in price in comparison to branded alternatives that are usually much more expensive.

"By addressing the influence of middlemen and promoting open competition, President Trump’s actions aim to create a fairer prescription drug market that lowers costs and ensures accountability across the health care system," the White House said.