U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Tom Rice (R-SC) on March 14 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would permit federal access to drug-pricing data.
“I have always said the key to addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs is increased transparency,” said Rep. Carter, a pharmacist. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
Rep. Carter sponsored the Payment Commission Data Act, H.R. 1781, which would amend the Social Security Act to provide the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) and the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) with access to certain drug payment information, including certain rebate information, according to the congressional record.
“Congress created independent commissions to analyze data and provide suggestions to lower prescription drug prices,” said Rep. Rice, one of the original cosponsors of H.R. 1781, along with U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ).
“These commissions should be able to access the information they need to make their recommendations,” Rep. Rice said.
If enacted, H.R. 1781 would give MedPAC and MACPAC access to drug pricing data to increase transparency and provide recommendations to Congress toward creating related policy reforms, the lawmakers said last week.
MedPAC and MACPAC have told Congress they need access to information such as prices charged by drug manufacturers and wholesalers and the amounts and sources of rebates, as well as price concessions, according to a statement from Rep. Rice’s office.
“It’s unacceptable that the experts tasked with presenting Congress with recommendations on how to better address the important task of lowering prescription drug prices do not have access to the data they need,” said Rep. Carter. “This legislation will give them access to what is needed to be sure they can provide the best possible recommendations. It will also bring more clarity to the drug pricing system.”
Rep. Rice added that H.R. 1781 ultimately could translate into lower drug prices for Americans.
“The rising cost of prescription drugs,” said Rep. O’Halleran, is forcing Americans “to choose between life-saving medication and other necessities. Congress must act to bring those prices down.”
H.R. 1781 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.