U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would protect patients from increased out-of-pocket prescription drug costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Making prescription drugs more affordable for everyone is one of my top priorities and a bipartisan goal shared by our fellow lawmakers in Congress,” Rep. Davis said on Aug. 12. “Patients should not face even more financial barriers to receiving the drugs they need to stay healthy, especially during this pandemic, and particularly for those with chronic conditions who are vulnerable to COVID-19.”
Rep. Davis on July 16 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Preserving Patient Savings on Drug Costs Act, H.R. 7647, with bill sponsor A. Donald McEachin (D-VA) to provide for a COVID-19 related delay regarding annual limitation on cost-sharing for group health plans and individual and small group health insurance coverage, according to the text of the bill.
Specifically, H.R. 7647 would prevent insurers from instituting copay accumulator programs by delaying the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) 2021 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameter (NBPP) rule, which would go into effect a year after the COVID-19 public health emergency has been lifted rather than next year, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Davis’ office.
Such action would allow more time for patient input and discussion on the negative impact of copay accumulator programs, according to Rep. Davis’ office.
H.R. 7647 builds on a March letter that Rep. Davis, Rep. McEachin, and more than 70 members of Congress sent to HHS Secretary Alex Azar II that expressed strong opposition to the 2021 NBPP rule.
“Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle agree: there shouldn’t be additional barriers to access lifesaving and much-needed prescription drugs, especially in the middle of a pandemic,” said Rep. McEachin.
H.R. 7647 is under consideration in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.