Legislation Grid
Part 1 of the Module 2 Assessment Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Health-related Bill Name: H.R. 3 – Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019
Bill Number: H.R. 3
Description: The bill was introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone on September 19, 2019. The purpose of the bill is to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and to improve access to affordable healthcare services (Congress, 2019). The bill includes several provisions, including giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, capping out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs, and establishing penalties for pharmaceutical companies that raise drug prices faster than inflation.
Federal or State? Federal
Legislative Intent: The intent of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 is to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for all Americans. The bill aims to give Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which is currently prohibited by law (Congress, 2019). By allowing Medicare to negotiate prices, the bill seeks to lower the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. The bill also seeks to cap out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries and establish penalties for pharmaceutical companies that raise drug prices faster than inflation.
Proponents/Opponents:
Proponents: Supporters of the bill argue that it will reduce the cost of prescription drugs and improve access to affordable healthcare services for millions of Americans. The bill will allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which will result in lower drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). The bill will also cap out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs, which will make healthcare more affordable for individuals who rely on expensive medications. The bill will also penalize pharmaceutical companies that raise drug prices faster than inflation, which will deter companies from engaging in price gouging practices.
Opponents: The opponents of the bill argue that it will stifle innovation in the pharmaceutical industry and lead to fewer new drugs being developed. The opponents claim that the bill will reduce pharmaceutical companies’ profits, which will result in less investment in research and development (Pugatch, 2020). The opponents also argue that the bill will result in longer wait times for new drugs to be approved and that it will reduce the quality of care for patients.
Target Population: The target population includes all Americans who rely on prescription drugs, including seniors and people with disabilities who are covered by Medicare.
Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees?): The bill passed in the House of Representatives on December 12, 2019, and is currently under review in the Senate (Congress, 2019).
General Notes/Comments: The Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 is an important piece of legislation that seeks to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for millions of Americans. The bill will give Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices, which will result in lower drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill will also cap out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs and penalize pharmaceutical companies that engage in price gouging practices. Overall, the bill is an important step towards making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Americans.
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
I strongly support the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 as a healthcare provider. As someone who works with patients every day, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of high drug prices on individuals and families. Many of my patients are struggling to afford the medications they need to stay healthy and manage chronic conditions. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 will give Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices, which will help to lower the cost of prescription medications for patients and improve their access to care.
The current system allows drug manufacturers to set their own prices, which often leads to unaffordable drug costs for patients, particularly those on fixed incomes. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 would help to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families, ensuring that more individuals have access to the medications they need to manage their health.
In addition to improving access to care for patients, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 will also reduce healthcare costs for taxpayers. By allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, the government can save billions of dollars in healthcare spending, which can be reinvested in other areas of the healthcare system to improve access to care for all Americans.
As a healthcare provider, I have seen firsthand the negative impact that high drug costs can have on my patients’ health and well-being. I strongly support the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 and urge lawmakers to prioritize this legislation to improve access to care and reduce healthcare costs for patients and taxpayers alike.
References
U.S. Congress. H.R.3 – Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3.
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). Public Opinion on Prescription Drugs and Their Prices. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/slideshow/public-opinion-on-prescription-drugs-and-their-prices/.
The White House. (2020). President Donald J. Trump is Taking Action to Lower Drug Costs and Ensure Americans Have Access to Life-saving Medications. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-taking-action-lower-drug-costs-ensure-americans-access-life-saving-medications/.
National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). State Laws and Legislation Related to Prescription Drug Pricing. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/prescription-drug-pricing-state-legislation-and-actions.aspx.
