In infrastructure push, Congress is throwing patients under the bus

As Congress attempts to pass an over-the-top infrastructure package that will cost taxpayers hundreds of billions, if not trillions, of dollars, members are digging through the proverbial couch cushions to help bring down the cost. Delaying an executive action taken during the previous administration known as the rebate rule is on the list. Proponents argue that pushing back the rule’s implementation date by three years will save Uncle Sam $49 billion.   

The newfound fiscal responsibility of Congress is welcome but should raise eyebrows considering its track record. No one spends other people’s money more quickly than Washington after all. The multi-trillion dollar spending boondoggle during the pandemic is a prime example. So the question is what’s the trade-off?   

Short answer: patient wallets.

Read the full op-ed in Fox News by Tom Price, M.D., former secretary of Health and Human Services, former member of Congress, and a senior health care policy fellow at the Job Creators Network.