> Based on our analysis of prices in regulated markets, the United States paid on average more than 50% that other developed markets.

Of course, that figure is before discounts:

> Hence, while US pharmaceutical reference prices are typically higher than most counterparts, it does not mean that the US also ultimately pays higher prices than other countries – a fine but important distinction.

But even taking the 50% figure at face value, that suggests we could cut our drug spending to German levels (from $1,200 per person per year to $800). That’s not the kind of huge delta you see when it comes to things like inpatient services (surgeries that cost 5-10x as much). It’s also not that much compared to the $5,000-6,000 more we spend on healthcare overall per person compared to Germany.