Over 50% of the those R&D cost go to advertising.  In many companies pharmaceutical companies do not have TV ads on TV for prescription medications. Also in the past 10 year the USA has added very few new drugs. Instead they are making small changes like combining two medication that have been around for years and giving it a new name. Even after the medication goes generic and has been around for 30 years we are still stuck paying more then other country. By the way I served 5 years in the Army and I am a 100% Service connected Veteran so I will most likely be taken care about. Unlike you I care that you get good coverage to.  You complain about the elderly who have been paying into SS and Medicare for years and now they should not get what they have supported all their working lives? All I can say is shame on you.