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Commenter says he spent more than $180,000 on one drug, urges HHS negotiations with drugmakers
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Summary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who identified himself as "your HHS secretary," told a public meeting that he spent over $180,000 out of pocket on a single prescription and praised ongoing negotiations between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and pharmaceutical companies to lower prices.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who identified himself as "your HHS secretary," told a public meeting that he has spent "over a $180,000 out of pocket just on this 1 drug" and urged action on drug pricing by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy said high prescription costs had forced him to cash in savings and work multiple jobs. He framed his remarks as part of a broader problem of U.S. drug prices being higher than in other countries and said he was "tremendously proud of the part of the administration that's finally gonna do something about that." The comments did not include a formal motion or vote.
"I estimate that I've spent over a $180,000 out of pocket just on this 1 drug. $9,000 per month is that's not an option for me. I cashed in all of my savings. And at times, I worked 3 jobs," Kennedy said. He added that U.S. prices can be much higher than overseas: "On average, we pay about 300 to 400% larger. In some cases, we pay 10, 12, 13 times what other countries pay for the exact same drug that's made by the exact same factory in New Jersey or some other state."
He also said the administration was engaged with manufacturers: "And I encourage that this administration is boldly and courageously looking to help patients like me. We're in negotiations right now with the pharmaceutical companies," and referenced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The transcript does not identify the meeting body, date, or any formal staff response, and it does not record any motions or formal actions arising from the remark. The speaker described personal financial impacts and urged the federal agency he referenced to continue negotiations with drug manufacturers.
