The Continued Defense of Amgen Provisions

Despite the avid criticisms regarding the Amgen provisions that were mysteriously provided within the fiscal cliff deal, well-known political figures in the United States have continually defended the provision that would prevent Medicare from dictating the price of Amgen’s dialysis drug for two additional years. According to the Huffington Post, “a host of tax extenders, credits and other provisions that added billions to the price tag of the bipartisan bargain.” While Democrats in the House have taken action to repeal such a provision, former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) has formulated a petition to prevent special treatment. Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch in the face of scrutiny, defended the inclusion by saying the following: “I personally resent the way some people have blown that out of proportion because there are good, solid reasons that were backed up by government as to why that needed to go over for another two years.” Although the provision will cost Medicare millions, proponents of Amgen are still defending the drug giant.