Rep. Andrew Garbarino
U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) on Dec. 5 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would amend the Social Security Act to exempt certain drugs from the part D manufacturer discount program under the Medicare program to ensure that medications remain accessible and affordable for patients.
“This legislation puts patients first by ensuring the affordability and accessibility of widely used medications,” Rep. Garbarino said. “It also reinforces our support for small businesses and American manufacturing, ensuring that U.S. companies remain competitive and resilient in the global market and ensuring that small, family-owned companies… can continue their vital work.”
H.R. 10305, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), would exempt from the Medicare Part D Manufacturer Discount Program any orally administered medication that was approved under a nondisclosure agreement pursuant to the Food and Drug Administration’s 1997 Federal Register notice; and has been granted a “narrow exception” by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, according to the bill’s text.
“This bipartisan legislation provides a common-sense fix to help a Long Island business provide 19 million American patients with an essential drug they need,” said Rep. Suozzi. “Hyper technical language will hurt this company and these patients and they need a fair exception under Medicare. Let’s get it done.”
Jerome Stevens Pharmaceuticals Inc. supports H.R. 10305, which has been referred to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for consideration.