U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) on May 7 introduced a bipartisan bill that would contribute to ending the nation’s opioid crisis by proactively supporting senior citizens who need to manage pain with prescribed drugs.
The Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018, H.R. 5684, would expand eligibility for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services for Medicare beneficiaries who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse, according to a summary provided by Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ office.
“No one can fight the cycle of addiction alone, nor should they have to,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “Expanding access to the Medication Therapy Management services for Medicare beneficiaries who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse will allow them to receive expert advice on how to manage their prescriptions and reduce their risk of addiction and abuse.”
Rep. Kelly introduced H.R. 5684 on May 7 and was joined by U.S. Reps. McMorris Rodgers, Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Michael Doyle (D-PA) as original cosponsors.
Medicare beneficiaries with complex health needs currently may participate in MTM programs. If enacted, H.R. 5684 would amend the Social Security Act to expand eligibility for MTM programs established under part D of the Medicare program to include certain individuals who are at risk for prescription drug abuse, according to text of the bill in the congressional record.
Additional counseling also could support the reduced risk of prescription drug abuse via comprehensive medication review and interventions that seniors can get from their pharmacists or other health professionals, according to the summary from the congresswoman’s staff.
“The opioid epidemic is wreaking havoc in communities across the country, including here in Eastern Washington,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “As I meet with local leaders and providers who are fighting this battle every day, I continue to hear that we need to be doing more, providing more resources and programs to help combat this crisis.”
H.R. 5684 has been referred to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for consideration.