HHS Secretary Alex Azar ruled out the idea that Medicare could save money on drug prices by negotiating directly with drug companies, The Hill reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. While talking about the idea, Mr. Azar also said President Donald Trump could possibly go ahead and order negotiations with drug companies anyways.
2. Mr. Azar said President Trump wants to work to lower prices by merging drugs in Medicare's part B program with drugs in Medicare's part D program.
3. To accomplish that, legislators would have to pass a law. Mr. Azar said the idea could be explored in a demonstration project to begin with, but would eventually need a law before any widespread change could take place.