Cost Plus Drugs Co-founder Mark Cuban | Full Interview | Code 2022

Mark Cuban, Co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs, discusses how cost-plus pricing can lower drug prices, and the importance of transparency in the pharmaceutical industry in this thought-provoking interview from Code 2022.

Key takeaways
  • Cost-plus pricing is the solution: Mark Cuban argues that the current pharmacy benefit system is broken and that cost-plus pricing could be a solution to lower drug prices.
  • Transparency is key: Cuban emphasizes the importance of transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, including the true costs of drugs and the relationship between pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies.
  • The system is designed to perpetuate high prices: Cuban claims that the current system is designed to keep drug prices high, with pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies taking a profit margin.
  • Doctors are key to changing the system: Cuban believes that doctors can play a crucial role in changing the system by writing prescriptions that take into account the true costs of drugs.
  • Generic drugs can be more expensive than brand-name drugs: Cuban notes that even generic drugs can be more expensive than brand-name drugs due to the complex system of discounts and rebates.
  • Ranked-choice voting can improve the system: Cuban believes that ranked-choice voting can help improve the system by allowing voters to choose their preferred candidate rather than being limited to a binary choice.
  • The problem is not with the candidates, but with the system: Cuban argues that the problem is not with individual candidates, but with the electoral system itself.
  • The rich should be taxed more: Cuban believes that the wealthy should be taxed more to help pay for social services and to address income inequality.
  • Gen Z is entrepreneurial and solution-oriented: Cuban praises Gen Z for their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to come up with innovative solutions.
  • The US healthcare system is broken: Cuban believes that the US healthcare system is broken and needs to be overhauled to make it more patient-centric and transparent.