U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) recently introduced the bipartisan Fair Drug Prices For Kids Act to help lower prescription drug costs for families.
If enacted, H.R. 5576, which Rep. Fitzpatrick cosponsored with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), would give states the option to extend the Medicaid drug rebate program to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to the text of the bill.
“Far too often families are forced to make the tough decision between purchasing lifesaving prescription medication for their children or paying the bills,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Our bipartisan Fair Drug Prices for Kids Act will allow states to purchase drugs for their standalone CHIP program at the ‘Medicaid best price’ and ensure that children and their families enrolled in a standalone state CHIP program have access to prescription drugs at the lowest price offered.”
H.R. 5576 would open the door for states to use the excess dollars to ensure that more American families and children have access to essential medical care and prescription drugs, according to Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office.
Rep. Wild called the bill “critical legislation” that would provide a simple fix for states with standalone CHIP programs, giving “millions of parents a peace of mind knowing that their children’s health won’t be jeopardized by exorbitant drug prices.”
H.R. 5576, which is supported by Little Lobbyists, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, the First Focus Campaign for Children, and the Children’s Hospital Association, has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.