Shortly after the launch of TrumpRx, the program was met with criticism.
According to ABC News, health economist Rena Conti of Boston University believes that the selection of medications is very limited.
She notes that fewer than 50 drugs are included and recommends that patients first review their insurance coverage and speak with their doctor or pharmacist.
Another point of criticism is that purchases through TrumpRx can only be made using cash payments. This means that health insurance cannot be used.
Also read: Researchers test whether dreams can support problem solving
According to experts, this may make the program less relevant for many Americans who rely on insurance coverage to afford treatment.
What is TrumpRx?
According to reporting by ABC News, TrumpRx is not an online pharmacy.
The platform functions as a referral site that directs users to pharmaceutical companies’ own sales outlets, where certain medications are sold at a discount.
Donald Trump presented the initiative as a response to high drug prices in the United States.
Also read: How to lose weight in a healthy way
He has stated that politicians have promised lower prices for years without delivering concrete results.
TrumpRx is part of his Most Favored Nation policy, which aims to ensure that Americans do not pay more for medications than citizens in other countries.
Limited impact
The discounts primarily apply to medications for weight loss and fertility treatments.
Prices are lower than before, but the selection is narrow and depends on the manufacturers’ own terms.
Also read: These dietary supplements should not be taken together
Compared with European countries, where drug prices are often regulated and partially covered by the public sector, TrumpRx does not fundamentally change the U.S. healthcare system.
Sources: Ladbible, and ABC News.
Also read: Repeated Russian attacks linked to rising illness in Ukraine