Nancy Pelosi unveils an ambitious plan to lower drug prices
(WorldNews Health)

WASHINGTON (AP) - Putting her stamp on the health care issue that worries consumers the most, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday unveiled an ambitious plan to lower drug prices for seniors on Medicare and younger people with private insurance. Pelosi, D-Calif., would empower Medicare to negotiate prices for the 250 costliest drugs, including insulin. Pharmaceutical companies that refuse to negotiate could face steep penalties. Additionally, drugmakers that hike prices beyond inflation would have to pay rebates to Medicare. The plan would limit copays for seniors covered by Medicare`s `Part D` prescription drug program to $2,000. And Medicare-negotiated prices would be available to other...