Today, Americans for Health Excellence (AFHE), launched a seven-figure advertising campaign calling on lawmakers to confront the “foreign freeloading” that forces American patients to subsidize the healthcare systems of wealthy nations.
The launch follows Germany’s announcement of sweeping new mandatory pharmaceutical rebates — a move that deepens the imbalance President Trump has worked to correct through his Most Favored Nation pricing agreements. For decades, wealthy countries like Germany have used government price controls to pay a fraction of what American patients pay for the same medicines, effectively forcing U.S. patients to subsidize their healthcare systems. Germany’s latest mandates are advancing that practice at the precise moment the United States is finally pushing back.
“As a physician and a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand what it costs when Washington fails to stand up for the American patient,” said Dr. Brad Wenstrup, Executive Director of Americans for Health Excellence. “For decades, foreign governments have been exploiting American companies that research, develop, and invent new medicines, driving up costs here while their own citizens pay a fraction of the price. Germany’s latest mandates are just the newest chapter in that same story. President Trump is absolutely right to put America first, and we’re going to ensure lawmakers understand what’s at stake for their constituents.”
The campaign’s opening ad focuses on “foreign freeloading”, highlighting how foreign countries, including Germany, reap the benefits of America’s pharmaceutical inventions while American patients shoulder a disproportionate share of the cost. A March 2026 McLaughlin & Associates survey of 2,000 likely votersfound that 73% of voters support passing legislation that ends the exploitation of America patients shouldering the costs of innovative new treatments and disease cures alone — including 87% of Republicans, 63% of Democrats, and 66% of Independents. A separate question found 79% support a policy that would require foreign countries to pay their fair share for American medicines, enabling American companies to invest those returns in U.S. healthcare infrastructure like hospitals and telehealth.
AFHE’s broader campaign will build on the momentum of President Trump’s TrumpRx initiative and his Most Favored Nation voluntary agreements — supported by 73% of voters — and press Congress to deliver the next wave of patient wins: holding insurers and hospitals accountable for their share of healthcare costs, expanding direct savings at the pharmacy counter, and passing legislation that ensures foreign nations contribute their fair share permanently.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR HEALTH EXCELLENCE
Americans for Health Excellence (AFHE) is a 501(c)(4) health policy organization dedicated to building a healthcare system that puts patients first — lowering costs, expanding access, and ensuring every American has the tools and information to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. AFHE advances market-based solutions while engaging all in the healthcare system on behalf of patient health.
For more information, visit AmericansforHealthExcellence.org.
