> Why are drug prices so high?

Because of our insurance system. Sure, there are research costs, but it is really about pockets of concentrated market power: medical insurance companies, pharmaceuticals companies, medical equipment companies, medical providers, each of which takes a huge chunk from patients / insurees.

> It's the gubbamint flooding in money

You'd think so, but Medicare & Medicaid / MediCal often have lower reimbursement rates than private insurers.