Understanding Trump's Executive Order on Drug Pricing | ShiftShapers

In this episode of ShiftShapers, host David A. Saltzman welcomes Tiffany Ryder, emergency medicine PA, host of Healthcare Liberty Lab, and writer at Red Flag Hero on Substack. Tiffany breaks down President Trump’s executive order on drug pricing and what it could mean for patients, providers, and pharmaceutical companies.

She explores key issues like most favored nation pricing, transparency in drug costs, and the role of PBMs and middlemen. Drawing from her frontline experience and policy knowledge, Tiffany explains how these changes may impact everything from consumer behavior to research and development in the pharmaceutical world.

🤖 Sponsored by BenePower
BenePower is an AI-powered platform helping advisors build high-impact, self-insured health plans quickly and seamlessly. By integrating best-in-class point solutions and eliminating inefficiencies, BenePower reduces costs, improves member outcomes, and positions advisors as industry leaders.
🔗 Learn more at BenePower.com

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode
📌 Trump’s Executive Order Is Not What It Seems
Initial reactions framed it as a price control, but deeper analysis reveals an effort to create competitive pricing similar to standard market structures—challenging the global imbalance of U.S. drug costs.

📌 The U.S. Pays More—And It’s Unsustainable
Americans make up only 4% of the world’s population but generate 75% of pharma’s profits. Tiffany explores how this executive order could shift the burden globally rather than stifling innovation.

📌 Transparency Could Empower Consumers
One of the most promising aspects of the order is a potential direct-to-consumer model and increased pricing transparency. It may spark a shift in consumer behavior, giving patients tools to understand what drugs should actually cost.

📌 PBMs and Middlemen Drive Up Costs
Tiffany highlights how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and other intermediaries inflate costs, create confusion, and block consumers from accessing the best value for their medication.

📌 Generational Shift in Patient Trust Is Happening
Today’s younger patients are skeptical of the healthcare system but often feel powerless. Tiffany argues that consumer apathy is a major barrier—but rising costs could force change from the ground up.

📌 Clinicians and Patients Both Hold the Key
Tiffany believes change can start with both groups opting out of the broken system. Asking more questions, rejecting rushed visits, and demanding accountability are small acts that can fuel major reform.

⏱️ In This Episode
00:00 – Introduction to Trump's Executive Order on Drug Pricing
01:08 – Meet Tiffany Ryder: From Rural Louisiana to Healthcare Advocate
03:55 – Key Takeaways from the Executive Order
06:40 – Impact of Most Favored Nation Pricing
09:56 – Challenges and Potential Outcomes
15:23 – The Role of Transparency in Healthcare
24:36 – Generational Shifts in Patient Attitudes
27:06 – Future of Healthcare: Incremental Changes or a Major Overhaul?
29:45 – Conclusion and Farewell

🎧 Replay Episode: Rethinking Healthcare Costs with Direct Pay Models

As healthcare expenses continue to rise and insurance premiums stretch beyond affordability, more Americans are exploring alternatives. In this replay episode, we're revisiting a powerful conversation with Dr. Jawad Arshad, CEO of WoW Health Solutions, on how direct pay models could reshape ambulatory care.

Dr. Arshad breaks down the benefits, challenges, and potential of a direct pay approach — offering insights into a future where patients and providers interact more freely, transparently, and affordably.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or patient, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how the healthcare system could work better.

🤖 Sponsored by BenePower
BenePower is an AI-powered platform helping advisors build high-impact, self-insured health plans quickly and seamlessly. By integrating best-in-class point solutions and eliminating inefficiencies, BenePower reduces costs, improves member outcomes, and positions advisors as industry leaders.
🔗 Learn more at BenePower.com

In this REPLAY episode of ShiftShapers, host David interviews Paula Muto, a practicing surgeon and founder of Uber Docs. Paula shares her perspective on the inefficiencies in the current healthcare system, comparing buying health insurance to renting an apartment, and advocates for a direct pay model to improve the situation. She explains how Uber Docs facilitates transparent, direct transactions between patients and physicians, ultimately aiming to lower overall healthcare costs by empowering consumers. Key topics include the significant portion of healthcare costs dedicated to management rather than medical care, and how technology and consumer behaviors can drive positive changes in the healthcare landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest and Topic

01:03 Paula Muto's Background and Inspiration

02:19 The Flaws in the Current Healthcare System

13:47 The Direct Pay Model Explained

15:55 How Uber Docs is Revolutionizing Healthcare

20:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts