Trump signs bills banning drug pricing ‘gag clauses’

President Trump on Wednesday signed two bills banning “gag clauses” that keep patients in the dark about how to save money on prescription drugs. 

The clauses are sometimes included in the contracts insurers have with pharmacies — preventing pharmacies from telling customers they can save money on a drug if they pay with cash instead of using their health insurance. 

“This is very strong legislation to end these unjust gag clauses once and for all,” Trump said during a signing ceremony at the White House. 

{mosads}”All our citizens deserve to know the lowest price available at our pharmacies, and now that’s what they’ll be getting.”  

Trump thanked the sponsors of the bills who attended the ceremony, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) 

He also indicated he thinks Republicans might be able to work with Democrats on more drug pricing reform in the future. 

“I really do believe Democrats want to do that, too,” Trump said. 

“If there’s anything bipartisan, it’s lowering drug prices.” 

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said there will be regulatory action in the weeks and months ahead focused on bringing down drug prices, a key Trump campaign promise.