Welcome back, disruptors! In this two-part episode, Chuck digs into one of the most frustrating issues in healthcare: the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. After years of personally negotiating drug contracts with PBMs and insurers, he saw how the sauce was made – and now he is sharing that with you. From gag clauses in pharmacy contracts to middlemen pocketing billions, Chuck reveals how the system is designed for profits - not for patients.
This one’s personal, fiery, and packed with eye-opening insights (plus a shot of Fireball to kick things off). FOR EPISODE SLIDES, visit https://www.disruptivedialogue.org/get-involved.
Tune in next week for Part 2 and a look at the potential impacts of President Trump’s executive order on drug pricing.
What You'll Learn
Why drug prices in the U.S. are higher—even for generics—than in many other countries
The hidden role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and how they control drug access and pricing
How insurance companies, hospitals, and wholesalers are inflating costs at every level
The truth behind “list prices” and why discounts often don’t reach the patient
How gag clauses used to keep pharmacists from telling you the cheaper option
Why generic drugs are cheaper to insurers—but not always to you
How the Inflation Reduction Act helps… and where it still falls short
Quotes of Note
🏥 “Seven healthcare companies made revenues of $1.7 trillion in 2023—and five were insurers.”
📉 “Net drug prices have gone down for seven years. So why are our costs still going up?”
🧾 “The same drug can cost $400 in one Michigan county and $3,300 in another—with the same insurer.”
💊 “My insurance premium is $1,000 a month, and it would’ve cost me more to use my insurance than pay cash.”
Sources Mentioned
Drug Channels Institute (Adam Fein)
Kaiser Family Foundation healthcare spending breakdown
2023 Wall Street Journal article: “Same Drug, 2,200 Prices”
Inflation Reduction Act (2022)
Florida legislation banning pharmacy gag clauses
Take Action!
📢 Share this episode with someone who’s fed up with high drug prices
📬 Contact your legislators—demand transparency from insurers, PBMs, drug manufacturers, and hospitals
🧠 Stay informed: visit disruptivedialogue.org for episode slides and more
💥 Don’t hate the player—hate the game.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share Disruptive Dialogue with Chuck Melendi wherever you get your podcasts.
