Lowering pain and inflammation drug costs: Evaluating the impact of the Mark Cuban Cost Plus drug company model on Medicare savings

Background: Pain and inflammation are among the most prevalent and debilitating conditions affecting Medicare beneficiaries, with 78% reporting chronic pain and nearly half relying on medications like NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and anticonvulsants for management. These conditions necessitate long-term pharmaceutical interventions, contributing significantly to the rising costs within Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs for over 80% of beneficiaries. Current pricing structures and the inability to negotiate prices exacerbate the financial strain on this demographic, leading to high out-of-pocket expenses and reduced medication adherence. This study examines the potential of the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) pricing model to address these challenges by providing affordable alternatives for pain and inflammation medications.