Georgia Mountain News

Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter has criticized the Biden-Harris Administration's decision to impose government price controls on 15 additional prescription drugs. In a statement, Carter expressed concerns about the impact of these measures on drug prices and healthcare options for seniors.

Carter argued that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could lead to increased list prices for medications, fewer choices in healthcare plans for seniors, higher premiums, and reduced availability of treatments and cures. He stated, "The so-called Inflation 'Reduction' Act takes patients out of the frying pan and into the fire."

He also noted that since the IRA was implemented, research and development efforts for at least 22 potentially life-saving drugs have been halted, with more expected to follow. According to Carter, this approach by the administration has resulted in greater reliance on prior authorizations, limited access to drugs included in formularies, and additional obstacles to care.

Looking ahead, Carter expressed his intention to collaborate with former President Trump to mitigate what he views as negative effects of the IRA. He emphasized his support for initiatives like Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform as potential solutions to reduce drug costs without compromising patient care: "I look forward to working with President Trump to blunt the worst impacts of the IRA and pass meaningful solutions—like PBM reform—that will lower the cost of drugs without sacrificing hope for patients, families, and caretakers."