What We're Reading: J&J to Show Drug Prices; SCOTUS Blocks Abortion Law; Democrats' Medicare Bill

J&J to Start Listing Drug Prices in TV Ads, Starting With Xarelto

Johnson & Johnson will become the first drug maker to begin showing the list price of its prescription drugs in television ads, the Associated Press reported. The first drug it will start with is its blood thinner Xarelto. By late March, commercials will give the pill’s list price plus typical out-of-pocket costs.

High Court Blocks Louisiana Abortion Law

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court blocked a Louisiana law that required doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, The New York Times reported. Opponents of the law said it could have left the state with just 1 doctor authorized to provide abortions. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr joined the court’s 4-member liberal wing.

Democrats Unveil Bill Requiring Medicare to Negotiate Drug Prices

Led by Senator Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who is considering a presidential run, Democrats unveiled a bill to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, a key part of their agenda to lower pharmaceutical costs. Joined by Representative Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, Brown said he hoped that President Trump would listen to “candidate Trump,” referring to when Trump said during his campaign that he supported the idea, before reversing his position. The bill has long odds of passage, The Hill noted.