In a decision Thursday, a VA committee declined to cover the drug (ESKETAMINE) for all beneficiaries, instead restricting the nasal spray to patients who have not responded to other treatments and requiring an authorization process before it can be prescribed.
The decision came just one week after Trump gave an unconventional endorsement of the treatment. During an Oval Office event on June 12, 2019, he predicted to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie that Johnson & Johnson would be “very generous” in pricing the treatment.
“And if you like,” Trump said, “I’ll help you negotiate.”
A VA spokesperson said in a statement that drug was approved on a “non-formulary” basis, likening it to “prior authorization” that many private insurers mandate before permitting the use of potentially risky or expensive treatments.
https://www.statnews.com/2019/06/21/va-declines-broad-coverage-for-new-jj-depression-drug-touted-by-trump/?utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&utm_campaign=daeb7bcc03-Daily_Recap&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-daeb7bcc03-149870113
In my reading pharmaceutical industry ethical values peaked around the year 1995. Monetary considerations are the overriding value there after. President must keep aloof on matters regarding drugs or drug companies.
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