Federal reforms will never “fix” the flaws of the pharmaceutical drug system; instead, sponsors need to flex their clout and begin to take full advantage of the power they already possess. (Graphic by Chris Nicholls)

Once again, Congress is attempting to deal legislatively with the lack of transparency in pharmaceutical drug pricing. But most of the focus continues to be on Medicare drug policies, with true reform eluding the commercial/employer-sponsored marketplace.

Worse for the proponents of change, Big Pharma is crying bankruptcy should the reforms become law. And critics warn that any new laws that benefit Medicare plan members will harm those who get their drugs through commercial plans.