US President Donald Trump reiterated plans to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in his recent State of the Union speech , by making closer comparisons with international prices . Forcing drug companies to use the international rate could lower U.S. prices, though it could also presumably convince drug companies to increase their prices overseas. The Department of Health and Human Services said countries should pay similar prices as other countries for drugs the US classifies as Part B , potentially saving $ 17.2bn . Analysts said the plan would impact the likes of Roche and Bristol - Myers Squibb , which have Part B US sales rates of 20 % and 10 % , respectively . Pharma lobby groups warned changes to international price controls would lead to " arbitrary pricing " .
US President Donald Trump reiterated plans to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in his recent State of the Union speech , by making closer comparisons with international prices . The Department of Health and Human Services said countries should pay similar prices as other countries for drugs the US classifies as Part B , potentially saving $ 17.2bn . Analysts said the plan would impact the likes of Roche and Bristol - Myers Squibb , which have Part B US sales rates of 20 % and 10 % , respectively . Pharma lobby groups warned changes to international price controls would lead to " arbitrary pricing " .