Maybe PhRMA CEO Billy Tauzin should’ve thought more thoroughly through his scheme to blab to the New York Times about a deal he seemingly struck with President Obama.
As Tauzin tells it, the White House assured him that the pharmaceutical industry would only be on the hook for $80 billion worth of the $1 trillion cost of health care reform–effectively tying Congress’ hands if legislators want drug manufacturers to pitch in for more.
But now, White House officials are telling members of Congress that there is no deal. Does this mean PhRMA will drop out of an industry coalition in support of health care reform? Stay tuned.
