Lobbying expenditures in the US healthcare sector significantly increased in late 2024, particularly among pharmaceutical companies (PhRMA), Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) trade groups (PCMA), and the American Medical Association (AMA). This surge in spending was largely driven by the looming government funding deadline and the proposed inclusion of health provisions affecting PBMs, drug patents, and Medicare physician payments.
These groups significantly increased their spending in Q4 2024, compared to prior quarters. The spending was a direct response to proposed reforms impacting their business practices.
In contrast to the substantial increases among pharmaceutical and physician groups, major hospital trade associations largely maintained or slightly reduced their spending. A notable exception was America's Essential Hospitals, which more than doubled its spending.
Despite substantial lobbying efforts, most of the proposed health provisions were ultimately dropped from the final year-end package due to President Trump's opposition to a large bill.
Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company facing scrutiny over drug pricing, also saw a rise in its lobbying expenses.