USC Schaeffer
@schaeffer.usc.edu
Home to the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service. Transforming policy through rigorous, independent research and close engagement with public and private sector leaders.
📅 Meeting the urgent need for #Alzheimers treatments requires a stronger, more efficient system for recruiting patients into trials. Join the USC Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab on Dec. 4 to hear from leading experts.
Info and registration: schaeffer.usc.edu/event/improv...
Info and registration: schaeffer.usc.edu/event/improv...
November 25, 2025 at 12:47 AM
📅 Meeting the urgent need for #Alzheimers treatments requires a stronger, more efficient system for recruiting patients into trials. Join the USC Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab on Dec. 4 to hear from leading experts.
Info and registration: schaeffer.usc.edu/event/improv...
Info and registration: schaeffer.usc.edu/event/improv...
The #340B drug discount program has grown rapidly while straying from its mission of serving poorer patients and providers, Schaeffer scholars write in the @washingtonexaminer.bsky.social.
True reform must target the "buy low, sell high" incentive that largely benefits wealthier entities.
True reform must target the "buy low, sell high" incentive that largely benefits wealthier entities.
Federally fueled hospital drug sales must be reformed
Without a change, 340B will continue to enrich wealthier entities at the expense of the vulnerable entities while increasing costs for taxpayers.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The #340B drug discount program has grown rapidly while straying from its mission of serving poorer patients and providers, Schaeffer scholars write in the @washingtonexaminer.bsky.social.
True reform must target the "buy low, sell high" incentive that largely benefits wealthier entities.
True reform must target the "buy low, sell high" incentive that largely benefits wealthier entities.
Prescription drug ads get blamed for a lot. But the evidence for banning them is actually thin, USC Schaeffer’s Neeraj Sood writes in @jamahealthforum.com.
Assessing the Case Against Direct-to-Consumer Drug Advertisements
This Viewpoint assesses concerns regarding direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs.
jamanetwork.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Prescription drug ads get blamed for a lot. But the evidence for banning them is actually thin, USC Schaeffer’s Neeraj Sood writes in @jamahealthforum.com.
Just how hard is it to navigate rising costs and narrowing options in #Medicare Part D?
🎧Check out the latest @tradeoffs.org episode, as Schaeffer Center Co-Director Erin Trish helps her mother sort through the rapidly shifting marketplace.
🎧Check out the latest @tradeoffs.org episode, as Schaeffer Center Co-Director Erin Trish helps her mother sort through the rapidly shifting marketplace.
Rising Costs, Fewer Choices: What’s Up with Medicare Drug Plans?
Facing mounting financial pressures, insurance companies are changing the prescription drug coverage available to many consumers in Medicare Part D.
tradeoffs.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Just how hard is it to navigate rising costs and narrowing options in #Medicare Part D?
🎧Check out the latest @tradeoffs.org episode, as Schaeffer Center Co-Director Erin Trish helps her mother sort through the rapidly shifting marketplace.
🎧Check out the latest @tradeoffs.org episode, as Schaeffer Center Co-Director Erin Trish helps her mother sort through the rapidly shifting marketplace.
📅 From AI to blood biomarkers, new tools are poised to transform #Alzheimers clinical trial recruitment.
Join USC’s Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab on Dec. 4 in San Diego for a symposium on faster, more efficient, and inclusive trials.
Register here ⤵️
Join USC’s Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab on Dec. 4 in San Diego for a symposium on faster, more efficient, and inclusive trials.
Register here ⤵️
Improving the U.S. Clinical Trial Recruitment Ecosystem for Alzheimer's Disease - September 23, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
Overcoming barriers to Alzheimer’s clinical trial recruitment will require varied, evidence-based approaches. The USC Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab - Improving the U.S. Clinical Trial Recruitment Eco...
schaeffer.usc.edu
November 13, 2025 at 6:47 PM
📅 From AI to blood biomarkers, new tools are poised to transform #Alzheimers clinical trial recruitment.
Join USC’s Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab on Dec. 4 in San Diego for a symposium on faster, more efficient, and inclusive trials.
Register here ⤵️
Join USC’s Clinical Trial Recruitment Lab on Dec. 4 in San Diego for a symposium on faster, more efficient, and inclusive trials.
Register here ⤵️
Five years after Congress banned #SurpriseBills, patients are still waiting on some key cost transparency protections promised in the law.
USC Schaeffer Scholar Erin Duffy in Health Affairs Forefront argues patients can't afford further delays.
USC Schaeffer Scholar Erin Duffy in Health Affairs Forefront argues patients can't afford further delays.
The Unfinished Work Of The No Surprises Act: Cost Transparency For Planned Care | Health Affairs Forefront
As the five-year anniversary of the No Surprises Act’s passage approaches, patients are still waiting for rules implementing good faith estimates and advanced explanation of benefits—tools to strength...
www.healthaffairs.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Five years after Congress banned #SurpriseBills, patients are still waiting on some key cost transparency protections promised in the law.
USC Schaeffer Scholar Erin Duffy in Health Affairs Forefront argues patients can't afford further delays.
USC Schaeffer Scholar Erin Duffy in Health Affairs Forefront argues patients can't afford further delays.
The White House's efforts to expand access to anti-obesity medications address a critical public health challenge. USC Schaeffer research demonstrating the health and economic benefits of broader coverage helped inform the move.
White House Move to Expand Obesity Drug Access Informed by Schaeffer Research - November 10, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
A landmark White House agreement reflects Schaeffer evidence that expanded access would improve health and save hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare costs. - November 10, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
November 11, 2025 at 8:11 PM
The White House's efforts to expand access to anti-obesity medications address a critical public health challenge. USC Schaeffer research demonstrating the health and economic benefits of broader coverage helped inform the move.
The White House’s deals on anti-obesity medications could have a ripple effect: They may encourage more insurers to offer coverage, USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla tells @cnbc.com.
Millions more Americans could access obesity drugs after Trump's deals with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk
Medicare will start covering obesity drugs for the first time, which could open access to millions of seniors and spur more private insurers to follow suit.
www.cnbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The White House’s deals on anti-obesity medications could have a ripple effect: They may encourage more insurers to offer coverage, USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla tells @cnbc.com.
People with #diabetes are living healthier lives due to medical advances over the past few decades—but surprisingly, their workforce participation hasn’t improved.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
Jack Chapel, University of Southern California - A Diabetes Paradox - The Academic Minute
Health among those afflicted with diabetes is improving, but obtaining work remains a challenge. Jack Chapel, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Southern Californ...
academicminute.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:19 PM
People with #diabetes are living healthier lives due to medical advances over the past few decades—but surprisingly, their workforce participation hasn’t improved.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
🎧 USC Schaeffer's Jack Chapel dives into his research on this “diabetes paradox" on The Academic Minute.
Expanding #Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications would be one of the most effective public health investments the U.S. could make, USC Schaeffer research shows.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
A Value-Based Price for Anti-Obesity Medications - July 17, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
An appropriate price for GLP-1s should reflect the underlying value of the highly effective treatments. We use a dynamic microsimulation to estimate value-based prices that account for the health bene...
schaeffer.usc.edu
November 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Expanding #Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications would be one of the most effective public health investments the U.S. could make, USC Schaeffer research shows.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
⤵️Our scholars have identified ways it can be done affordably.
While Congress continues to weigh #PBM reform, many states have passed laws this year targeting middlemen practices.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
Dozens of states tackle high prescription drug costs • Stateline
In the absence of much federal action, states have enacted dozens of laws this year to lower prescription drug costs for their residents — and many more are considering following suit.
stateline.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:09 PM
While Congress continues to weigh #PBM reform, many states have passed laws this year targeting middlemen practices.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
USC Schaeffer's Geoffrey Joyce tells @stateline.org @chatlanis.bsky.social these efforts can help bring down patient costs.
How can the U.S. keep its biotech edge as China surges? USC Schaeffer’s Lowell Schiller told the Senate HELP Committee how #FDA modernization can support the innovation ecosystem and ensure patients benefit from today's scientific advances.
Testimony on Maintaining U.S. Biotech Competitiveness and Delivering Lifesaving Cures to Patients - October 29, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
As technology evolves, FDA's regulatory frameworks must adapt to avoid needless uncertainty about how reviewers will evaluate novel products or approaches. - October 29, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM
How can the U.S. keep its biotech edge as China surges? USC Schaeffer’s Lowell Schiller told the Senate HELP Committee how #FDA modernization can support the innovation ecosystem and ensure patients benefit from today's scientific advances.
While the US #biosimilar market has developed more slowly than Europe’s, USC Schaeffer research shows early biosimilars are delivering on their promise to lower biologic #drugprices.
Biosimilars Drug Market Isn’t Broken After All, USC Schaeffer Study Finds - June 6, 2023 - USC Schaeffer
Researchers looked at cancer therapy trastuzumab (Herceptin) and found biosimilars bring competition to the market, with prices declining by more than half for some versions. - June 6, 2023
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
While the US #biosimilar market has developed more slowly than Europe’s, USC Schaeffer research shows early biosimilars are delivering on their promise to lower biologic #drugprices.
CMS staffing shortages could make the ongoing #Medicare enrollment season challenging for beneficiaries, warns USC Schaeffer’s Jon Blum in @thehill.com:
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
thehill.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:03 PM
CMS staffing shortages could make the ongoing #Medicare enrollment season challenging for beneficiaries, warns USC Schaeffer’s Jon Blum in @thehill.com:
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
“We don’t have the infrastructure right now in place to really make sure those benefits get delivered well and get communicated well."
As health insurance costs rise, more Americans may skip coverage or seek cheaper care outside their health plan.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
Is it cheaper to pay for medical care without health insurance?
Hospitals or clinics may offer cash-only discounts to people who pay without insurance. But experts warn that health care isn't the place to bargain for the best deal.
www.nbcnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
As health insurance costs rise, more Americans may skip coverage or seek cheaper care outside their health plan.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
USC Schaeffer’s Erin Duffy tells @nbcnews.com @berkeleyjr.bsky.social why that’s risky and explains how patients can negotiate to make #MedicalBills more manageable.
Doctors often prescribe sleep drugs to older adults long term, despite the risk of serious side effects.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
Reducing Use of Sleep Drugs Could Improve Quality of Life and Longevity in Older Adults - October 27, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
New Schaeffer Center modeling demonstrates the benefits of reducing prescriptions for medications that carry serious risks for older adults. - October 27, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 27, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Doctors often prescribe sleep drugs to older adults long term, despite the risk of serious side effects.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
New USC Schaeffer modeling in @lancetrh-americ.bsky.social shows that reducing prescriptions to adults 50+ would improve quality of life, boost longevity and save the U.S. over $100 billion.
What do the White House’s recent drug pricing agreements really mean? USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains why it's hard to make sense of them. 👇
Facing unprecedented pressure from the Trump administration, some of the world’s top drugmakers promise to cut prices. But experts say the savings might not be what they seem.
Listen to the new episode:
Listen to the new episode:
Page not found - Tradeoffs
Tradeoffs is a nonprofit news organization on a mission to help America have smarter, more honest conversations about health policy.
tradeoffs.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
What do the White House’s recent drug pricing agreements really mean? USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains why it's hard to make sense of them. 👇
There’s bipartisan agreement on the need for #340B reform. A recent USC Schaeffer white paper illustrates why meaningful reform must target “spread pricing” incentives that benefit wealthier providers.
Reform of Federal Drug Discount Program Should Target Misaligned Incentives - September 29, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
A new Schaeffer Center white paper demonstrates why meaningful 340B reform must end “spread pricing,” in which participating providers buy discounted drugs and bill insurers at higher rates. - Septemb...
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 23, 2025 at 3:08 PM
There’s bipartisan agreement on the need for #340B reform. A recent USC Schaeffer white paper illustrates why meaningful reform must target “spread pricing” incentives that benefit wealthier providers.
As the average workplace family health plan hits $27k this year, employers face a growing challenge in managing the costs of high-priced specialty drugs, USC Schaeffer’s Paul Ginsburg tells the @nytimes.com @reedabelson.bsky.social.
Workers and Employers Face Higher Health Insurance Costs
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:32 PM
As the average workplace family health plan hits $27k this year, employers face a growing challenge in managing the costs of high-priced specialty drugs, USC Schaeffer’s Paul Ginsburg tells the @nytimes.com @reedabelson.bsky.social.
A recent draft report by health technology assessment (#HTA) organizations on how to account for “novel” benefits in economic evaluations fundamentally misses the mark, USC Schaeffer experts and colleagues argue in a new comment letter.
Response to the Draft Report of the Health Economics Methods Advisory (HEMA): “Defining Appropriate Benefits for Economic Evaluation of Health Care Technologies” - October 21, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
Economic valuation in healthcare should align with the needs of individuals. A recent draft report from health technology assessment organizations defends a discriminatory QALY-based approach and over...
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 21, 2025 at 4:46 PM
A recent draft report by health technology assessment (#HTA) organizations on how to account for “novel” benefits in economic evaluations fundamentally misses the mark, USC Schaeffer experts and colleagues argue in a new comment letter.
Congratulations to Darius Lakdawalla, chief scientific officer at USC Schaeffer, on his election to the National Academy of Medicine! He was recognized for transforming the study of value in healthcare, with a focus on the patient perspective.
USC Health Economist Darius Lakdawalla Elected to National Academy of Medicine - October 20, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
The academy recognized Lakdawalla for transforming the study of value in healthcare. - October 20, 2025
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Congratulations to Darius Lakdawalla, chief scientific officer at USC Schaeffer, on his election to the National Academy of Medicine! He was recognized for transforming the study of value in healthcare, with a focus on the patient perspective.
For the first time, Medicare-negotiated drug prices will become available to beneficiaries in January. This will require complex technical coordination.
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
Operational and Policy Considerations in the Effectuation of Medicare’s Maximum Fair Drug Prices for Part D - October 16, 2025 - USC Schaeffer
Medicare-negotiated prices for select drugs will be available to enrollees at the pharmacy counter starting in January 2026. This brief examines the complex process behind implementing those prices, t...
schaeffer.usc.edu
October 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
For the first time, Medicare-negotiated drug prices will become available to beneficiaries in January. This will require complex technical coordination.
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
A new USC Schaeffer issue brief examines:
💠CMS' implementation plans
💠Roles of key stakeholders
💠Potential challenges for drugmakers & pharmacies
Enrollment in #Medicare plans opens today, with millions facing a similar headache: Too many plan choices, not enough reliable info.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
Stop overloading older adults with Medicare plan choices
Older adults face too many Medicare plan options, and it’s overwhelming them.
www.statnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Enrollment in #Medicare plans opens today, with millions facing a similar headache: Too many plan choices, not enough reliable info.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
USC Schaeffer Scholars in @statnews.com share how policymakers can simplify the process. After all, that's what beneficiaries want.
Medicare may soon overhaul the system for determining physician pay, which has largely been shaped by an influential industry group. USC Schaeffer's Paul Ginsburg, a former MedPAC vice chair, tells @medscape.com @lizszabo.bsky.social why reform is long overdue.
Medicare Proposal Would Boost Primary Care Doc Pay
Medicare has announced plans to change the way it calculates fees for doctors, signaling that it will rely less on American Medical Association recommendations.
www.medscape.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Medicare may soon overhaul the system for determining physician pay, which has largely been shaped by an influential industry group. USC Schaeffer's Paul Ginsburg, a former MedPAC vice chair, tells @medscape.com @lizszabo.bsky.social why reform is long overdue.
Pfizer and now AstraZeneca struck deals with the White House to provide "most-favored nation" pricing in Medicaid. But as USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains to @cbsnews.com, the effect may be small since Medicaid already gets the “best price” by law.
Trump unveils deal for AstraZeneca to cut Medicaid drug prices and join "TrumpRx" site
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca will offer U.S. patients discounted prices for some drugs, President Trump announced Friday, the second major drug company to strike a deal with the administration.
www.cbsnews.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Pfizer and now AstraZeneca struck deals with the White House to provide "most-favored nation" pricing in Medicaid. But as USC Schaeffer’s Darius Lakdawalla explains to @cbsnews.com, the effect may be small since Medicaid already gets the “best price” by law.