USC Schaeffer
@schaeffer.usc.edu
Home to the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service. Transforming policy through rigorous, independent research and close engagement with public and private sector leaders.
The White House’s deals on anti-obesity medications could have a ripple effect: They may encourage more insurers to offer coverage, USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla tells @cnbc.com.
Millions more Americans could access obesity drugs after Trump's deals with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk
Medicare will start covering obesity drugs for the first time, which could open access to millions of seniors and spur more private insurers to follow suit.
www.cnbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The White House’s deals on anti-obesity medications could have a ripple effect: They may encourage more insurers to offer coverage, USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla tells @cnbc.com.
People with #diabetes are living healthier lives due to medical advances over the past few decades—but surprisingly, their workforce participation hasn’t improved.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
Jack Chapel, University of Southern California - A Diabetes Paradox - The Academic Minute
Health among those afflicted with diabetes is improving, but obtaining work remains a challenge. Jack Chapel, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Southern Californ...
academicminute.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
People with #diabetes are living healthier lives due to medical advances over the past few decades—but surprisingly, their workforce participation hasn’t improved.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
Expanding #Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications would be one of the most effective public health investments the U.S. could make, USC Schaeffer research shows.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
A Value-Based Price for Anti-Obesity Medications - July 17, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
An appropriate price for GLP-1s should reflect the underlying value of the highly effective treatments. We use a dynamic microsimulation to estimate value-based prices that account for the health bene...
schaeffer.usc.edu
November 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Expanding #Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications would be one of the most effective public health investments the U.S. could make, USC Schaeffer research shows.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
While Congress continues to weigh #PBM reform, many states have passed laws this year targeting middlemen practices.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
Dozens of states tackle high prescription drug costs • Stateline
In the absence of much federal action, states have enacted dozens of laws this year to lower prescription drug costs for their residents — and many more are considering following suit.
stateline.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:09 PM
While Congress continues to weigh #PBM reform, many states have passed laws this year targeting middlemen practices.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
How can the U.S. keep its biotech edge as China surges? USC Schaeffer’s Lowell Schiller told the Senate HELP Committee how #FDA modernization can support the innovation ecosystem and ensure patients benefit from today's scientific advances.
Testimony on Maintaining U.S. Biotech Competitiveness and Delivering Lifesaving Cures to Patients - October 29, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
As technology evolves, FDA's regulatory frameworks must adapt to avoid needless uncertainty about how reviewers will evaluate novel products or approaches. - October 29, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM
How can the U.S. keep its biotech edge as China surges? USC Schaeffer’s Lowell Schiller told the Senate HELP Committee how #FDA modernization can support the innovation ecosystem and ensure patients benefit from today's scientific advances.
While the US #biosimilar market has developed more slowly than Europe’s, USC Schaeffer research shows early biosimilars are delivering on their promise to lower biologic #drugprices.
Biosimilars Drug Market Isn’t Broken After All, USC Schaeffer Study Finds - June 6, 2023 - USC Schaeffer
Researchers looked at cancer therapy trastuzumab (Herceptin) and found biosimilars bring competition to the market, with prices declining by more than half for some versions. - June 6, 2023
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
While the US #biosimilar market has developed more slowly than Europe’s, USC Schaeffer research shows early biosimilars are delivering on their promise to lower biologic #drugprices.
CMS staffing shortages could make the ongoing #Medicare enrollment season challenging for beneficiaries, warns USC Schaeffer’s Jon Blum in @thehill.com:
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
thehill.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:03 PM
CMS staffing shortages could make the ongoing #Medicare enrollment season challenging for beneficiaries, warns USC Schaeffer’s Jon Blum in @thehill.com:
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
As health insurance costs rise, more Americans may skip coverage or seek cheaper care outside their health plan.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
Is it cheaper to pay for medical care without health insurance?
Hospitals or clinics may offer cash-only discounts to people who pay without insurance. But experts warn that health care isn't the place to bargain for the best deal.
www.nbcnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
As health insurance costs rise, more Americans may skip coverage or seek cheaper care outside their health plan.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
Doctors often prescribe sleep drugs to older adults long term, despite the risk of serious side effects.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
Reducing Use of Sleep Drugs Could Improve Quality of Life and Longevity in Older Adults - October 27, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
New Schaeffer Center modeling demonstrates the benefits of reducing prescriptions for medications that carry serious risks for older adults. - October 27, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 27, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Doctors often prescribe sleep drugs to older adults long term, despite the risk of serious side effects.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
What do the White House’s recent drug pricing agreements really mean? USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains why it's hard to make sense of them. 👇
Facing unprecedented pressure from the Trump administration, some of the world’s top drugmakers promise to cut prices. But experts say the savings might not be what they seem.
Listen to the new episode:
Listen to the new episode:
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Tradeoffs is a nonprofit news organization on a mission to help America have smarter, more honest conversations about health policy.
tradeoffs.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
What do the White House’s recent drug pricing agreements really mean? USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains why it's hard to make sense of them. 👇
There’s bipartisan agreement on the need for #340B reform. A recent USC Schaeffer white paper illustrates why meaningful reform must target “spread pricing” incentives that benefit wealthier providers.
Reform of Federal Drug Discount Program Should Target Misaligned Incentives - September 29, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
A new Schaeffer Center white paper demonstrates why meaningful 340B reform must end “spread pricing,” in which participating providers buy discounted drugs and bill insurers at higher rates. - Septemb...
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 23, 2025 at 3:08 PM
There’s bipartisan agreement on the need for #340B reform. A recent USC Schaeffer white paper illustrates why meaningful reform must target “spread pricing” incentives that benefit wealthier providers.
As the average workplace family health plan hits $27k this year, employers face a growing challenge in managing the costs of high-priced specialty drugs, USC Schaeffer’s Paul Ginsburg tells the @nytimes.com @reedabelson.bsky.social.
Workers and Employers Face Higher Health Insurance Costs
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:32 PM
As the average workplace family health plan hits $27k this year, employers face a growing challenge in managing the costs of high-priced specialty drugs, USC Schaeffer’s Paul Ginsburg tells the @nytimes.com @reedabelson.bsky.social.
A recent draft report by health technology assessment (#HTA) organizations on how to account for “novel” benefits in economic evaluations fundamentally misses the mark, USC Schaeffer experts and colleagues argue in a new comment letter.
Response to the Draft Report of the Health Economics Methods Advisory (HEMA): “Defining Appropriate Benefits for Economic Evaluation of Health Care Technologies” - October 21, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
Economic valuation in healthcare should align with the needs of individuals. A recent draft report from health technology assessment organizations defends a discriminatory QALY-based approach and over...
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 21, 2025 at 4:46 PM
A recent draft report by health technology assessment (#HTA) organizations on how to account for “novel” benefits in economic evaluations fundamentally misses the mark, USC Schaeffer experts and colleagues argue in a new comment letter.
Congratulations to Darius Lakdawalla, chief scientific officer at USC Schaeffer, on his election to the National Academy of Medicine! He was recognized for transforming the study of value in healthcare, with a focus on the patient perspective.
USC Health Economist Darius Lakdawalla Elected to National Academy of Medicine - October 20, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
The academy recognized Lakdawalla for transforming the study of value in healthcare. - October 20, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Congratulations to Darius Lakdawalla, chief scientific officer at USC Schaeffer, on his election to the National Academy of Medicine! He was recognized for transforming the study of value in healthcare, with a focus on the patient perspective.
For the first time, Medicare-negotiated drug prices will become available to beneficiaries in January. This will require complex technical coordination.
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
Operational and Policy Considerations in the Effectuation of Medicare’s Maximum Fair Drug Prices for Part D - October 16, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
Medicare-negotiated prices for select drugs will be available to enrollees at the pharmacy counter starting in January 2026. This brief examines the complex process behind implementing those prices, t...
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
For the first time, Medicare-negotiated drug prices will become available to beneficiaries in January. This will require complex technical coordination.
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
Enrollment in #Medicare plans opens today, with millions facing a similar headache: Too many plan choices, not enough reliable info.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
Stop overloading older adults with Medicare plan choices
Older adults face too many Medicare plan options, and it’s overwhelming them.
www.statnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Enrollment in #Medicare plans opens today, with millions facing a similar headache: Too many plan choices, not enough reliable info.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
Medicare may soon overhaul the system for determining physician pay, which has largely been shaped by an influential industry group. USC Schaeffer's Paul Ginsburg, a former MedPAC vice chair, tells @medscape.com @lizszabo.bsky.social why reform is long overdue.
Medicare Proposal Would Boost Primary Care Doc Pay
Medicare has announced plans to change the way it calculates fees for doctors, signaling that it will rely less on American Medical Association recommendations.
www.medscape.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Medicare may soon overhaul the system for determining physician pay, which has largely been shaped by an influential industry group. USC Schaeffer's Paul Ginsburg, a former MedPAC vice chair, tells @medscape.com @lizszabo.bsky.social why reform is long overdue.
Pfizer and now AstraZeneca struck deals with the White House to provide "most-favored nation" pricing in Medicaid. But as USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains to @cbsnews.com, the effect may be small since Medicaid already gets the “best price” by law.
Trump unveils deal for AstraZeneca to cut Medicaid drug prices and join "TrumpRx" site
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca will offer U.S. patients discounted prices for some drugs, President Trump announced Friday, the second major drug company to strike a deal with the administration.
www.cbsnews.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Pfizer and now AstraZeneca struck deals with the White House to provide "most-favored nation" pricing in Medicaid. But as USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains to @cbsnews.com, the effect may be small since Medicaid already gets the “best price” by law.
While the White House’s Pfizer deal may not change prices much, the company’s pledge to invest in U.S. research and manufacturing could be a strong boost for domestic drug production, USC Schaeffer Scholar William Padula tells @investopedia.com.
A New Way to Buy Cheaper Meds Might Be Coming—Here’s What Pfizer and Trump Are Planning
Pfizer plans to sell discounted prescription drugs directly to consumers through TrumpRX.gov, but will this initiative help Americans afford pricey medications?
www.investopedia.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM
While the White House’s Pfizer deal may not change prices much, the company’s pledge to invest in U.S. research and manufacturing could be a strong boost for domestic drug production, USC Schaeffer Scholar William Padula tells @investopedia.com.
Reposted by USC Schaeffer
Medicine is moving at light speed — curing rare diseases and personalizing care with AI. @schaeffer.usc.edu highlights that the FDA regulatory approval processes must catch up.
Former FDA Leaders Say New Policies Needed to Boost Medical Innovation - September 26, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
Advances in rare disease treatments and clinical trial tools demand new regulatory frameworks, former commissioners said a Schaeffer Center conference on FDA reform. - September 26, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 9, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Medicine is moving at light speed — curing rare diseases and personalizing care with AI. @schaeffer.usc.edu highlights that the FDA regulatory approval processes must catch up.
California’s new tax cut on legal cannabis is designed to undercut the illicit market. But efforts to rein in illegal sales continue to lag, partly due to weak enforcement, USC Schaeffer’s Rosalie Pacula told @annenbergmedia.bsky.social.
Gov. Newsom signs bill to lower tax rates on cannabis
Gov. Newsom's new bill aims to make the legal cannabis industry more competitive against the illegal market.
www.uscannenbergmedia.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
California’s new tax cut on legal cannabis is designed to undercut the illicit market. But efforts to rein in illegal sales continue to lag, partly due to weak enforcement, USC Schaeffer’s Rosalie Pacula told @annenbergmedia.bsky.social.
Pfizer's deal with the White House grabbed headlines, but its actual impact is uncertain. USC Schaeffer's Dana Goldman discusses with @nam.edu the challenges of patchwork drug pricing efforts and the need for a more rational pricing system.
Read the interview here: nam.edu/news-and-ins...
Read the interview here: nam.edu/news-and-ins...
October 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Pfizer's deal with the White House grabbed headlines, but its actual impact is uncertain. USC Schaeffer's Dana Goldman discusses with @nam.edu the challenges of patchwork drug pricing efforts and the need for a more rational pricing system.
Read the interview here: nam.edu/news-and-ins...
Read the interview here: nam.edu/news-and-ins...
The big flaw in #340B: "The program is not actually directed to the needy," USC Schaeffer Scholar Ryan Long told HealthLeaders.
The program's reliance on spread pricing disproportionately benefits hospitals with a higher mix of commercially insured patients, our new white paper shows.
The program's reliance on spread pricing disproportionately benefits hospitals with a higher mix of commercially insured patients, our new white paper shows.
Making the Case for 340B Reforms
Ryan Long, the co-author of a recent USC Schaeffer Center white paper on the 340B Drug Pricing Program, argues that meaningful reform requires shifting to a direct subsidy model based on need.
www.healthleadersmedia.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The big flaw in #340B: "The program is not actually directed to the needy," USC Schaeffer Scholar Ryan Long told HealthLeaders.
The program's reliance on spread pricing disproportionately benefits hospitals with a higher mix of commercially insured patients, our new white paper shows.
The program's reliance on spread pricing disproportionately benefits hospitals with a higher mix of commercially insured patients, our new white paper shows.
USC Schaeffer’s WilliamPadula discusses what TrumpRx could mean for patients and why it's important to focus on bringing down drug development costs.
What will ‘TrumpRx’ actually mean for patients? Who will benefit most from slashed drug costs — and what those savings will look like
Prescription drug prices in the US are roughly 2.78 times higher on average than in 33 other high-income countries, a 2024 report by the RAND Corporation found.
nypost.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
USC Schaeffer’s WilliamPadula discusses what TrumpRx could mean for patients and why it's important to focus on bringing down drug development costs.
USC Schaeffer's William Padula talks with @axios.com about President Trump's claims on drug price reductions.
Trump's epic economic and drug figures fizzle under scrutiny
Trump's claims on tariff revenue and decreasing drug prices clash with expert data.
www.axios.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
USC Schaeffer's William Padula talks with @axios.com about President Trump's claims on drug price reductions.