Drug Prices: The Real Cost of Government Intervention

Eric Maus, Director of Health and Science Policy at Citizens Against Government Waste, discusses the implications of government intervention on drug pricing, healthcare regulation, Medicare reform, and healthcare access in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. The conversation highlights the unintended consequences of policies aimed at reducing drug costs.

WASHINGTON — October 2, 2026 — In a recent episode of the Health Policy Podcast, Eric Maus from Citizens Against Government Waste addressed the complexities of drug pricing and the effects of government regulation on healthcare. The discussion covered the challenges of Medicare reform, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the ongoing issues surrounding healthcare access for Americans.

Maus emphasized that drug prices remain a primary concern for many Americans, stating, "Prices are kind of a main concern for people across the board, but especially in healthcare and with prescription drugs." He pointed out that despite the intentions behind the Inflation Reduction Act, the actual outcomes have led to increased drug costs, contrary to the projected savings. The Congressional Budget Office initially estimated a $129 billion savings, but the costs have ballooned to $700 billion, raising monthly drug prices from $3,200 to $3,500.

Throughout the discussion, Maus noted the historical failures of price controls in healthcare. "Throughout history, price controls, especially on medication, have been found to increase prices and limit access to these medicines," he said. He argued for a more free market approach, suggesting that lawmakers should focus on policies that encourage innovation and competition rather than impose restrictive regulations.

Maus also highlighted the bipartisan efforts in Congress to modernize healthcare practices, such as the Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2026, which aims to streamline the dissemination of prescribing information. He concluded by stating, "Washington and lawmakers tend to deliver big and the results don't match it and don't deliver," calling for greater accountability in government healthcare policies.

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonprofit organization founded in 1984 that advocates for taxpayer interests and aims to eliminate wasteful government spending.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on topics related to healthcare policy, economic growth, and regulatory issues, providing insights from industry experts and policymakers.