A conversation about the realities of TrumpRx with Joseph Kleiman, president of Buzz Health

TrumpRx launched earlier this month as a direct-to-consumer drug portal that links patients to select discount drug websites.

The platform advertises medications for “the lowest cash prices,” but some critics have argued that the cash-only prices have limited value, especially for patients with traditional insurance. Additionally, some pharmacies have already adopted their own cash-only programs. For example, Novo already sells injectable Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) at the same starting price as TrumpRx — $199 a month.

Joseph Kleiman is the president of Buzz Health, a healthcare technology company offering customizable prescription savings solutions that integrate with health systems to promote price transparency and a more cost effective prescription ecosystem.

Kleiman recently sat down with Managed Healthcare Executive to discuss the importance of price transparency in the market, what works about TrumpRx and what he would change.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

MHE: What are some execution challenges that could arise for TrumpRx?

Kleiman: So, 90% of medication filled in the United States is still generics, so you have a small percentage of the overall drugs being taken. I think as long as people do their research, hopefully a lot of people do use it.

I think your biggest execution challenge is making sure your pricing is consistent and accurate and making sure the drugs are in stock.

MHE: How do you feel about Trump having his name in the title?

Kleiman: It depends on the rationale behind it. Whether you're a supporter or not, the one thing the name does is create awareness, so if it creates awareness and more people educate themselves, I think it's great.

If there's an ulterior motive, then not so great.

MHE: What are some of the operational realities behind transparent drug pricing?

Kleiman: You have to look at drug transparency as a whole. The main goal is to allow people to compare.

I think the operational challenges are going to be making sure you're aware of what else is out there, not just as a consumer, but as somebody who is offering transparent drug pricing. This looks like making sure that the drugs are available and making sure your pricing is consistent so you don't have surprises at the counter.

Other than that, what's interesting is what Trump RX is doing from an awareness standpoint is great. However, those discounts, for the most part, have been available. The challenge has been educating consumers so they can go look for discounts, not just on these drugs, but on everything else out there as well.

MHE: Why is transparent drug pricing important?

Kleiman: At its core, it’s designed to create competition and awareness. It encourages consumers to research to make sure what they're paying is what is best for them. The more you have of that, the more consumers become involved in the process. They can make their own decisions rather than just take somebody's word that this is the best for them.

MHE: If you could change one thing about the way TrumpRx operates, what would it be and why?

Kleiman: I can't really say I’d change anything at this point, except for maybe adding more drugs.

MHE: Do you have any specific drugs in mind?

Kleiman: I think everybody out there with a condition is going to say, ‘it should be this drug, or it should be that drug.’ The reality is, even though brand-name drugs account for approximately 85% of the nation's drug spend, generic drugs are still in the 90th percentile of what is prescribed. It goes back again to doing your research. If you're prescribed a brand medication, check to see if there's a generic alternative. Then check to see if there are available discounts, whether it's Trump Rx or any of the other discount offerings out there — do your homework.