A related criticism is that drugs cost more in the United States than in other countries. Accurate comparisons are rare, however, since prices overseas reflect many things, particularly countries' relative wealth and the politicized nature of their health care systems. Indeed, despite the claims of industry critics, foreign price controls have unpredictable results. To the extent that some foreign governments successfully hold down prices, they do so by free-riding on the United States. Although obviously unfair, U.S. citizens are not paying more as a result.
Pharmaceutical companies base their prices on local supply and demand.
The congressional debate so far has focused on adding a drug benefit to Medicare to assist the elderly. But both houses of Congress have also passed bills, set to go to a joint conference committee, to allow importation of U.S. drugs from other countries. Rep. Bernie Sanders. Opponents have unsuccessfully focused on the lack of domestic safety control over foreign drug production. It's about profit safety.