Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5400

Introduced
9/12/23  
Refer
9/12/23  

Caption

NO PBMs Act Neighborhood Options for Patients Buying Medicines Act

Impact

The introduction of HB5400 is expected to significantly affect how prescription drug plans operate under Medicare. By mandating that all willing pharmacies can join networks provided they meet specific criteria, the bill seeks to decentralize control that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) currently exert. This is anticipated to foster competition among pharmacies and potentially lead to lower drug prices and improved service levels for consumers. The bill reflects an ongoing effort to prioritize patient choice and access in the Medicare system.

Summary

House Bill 5400, known as the 'Neighborhood Options for Patients Buying Medicines Act' or the 'NO PBMs Act', focuses on improving pharmacy access and choices for Medicare beneficiaries. This legislation proposes to amend Section 1860D–4 of the Social Security Act, ensuring that any pharmacy that fulfills the standard contract terms is allowed to participate as a network pharmacy for prescription drug plans. By allowing a broader inclusion of pharmacies, the bill aims to enhance the availability of prescription drugs for Medicare recipients and combat issues related to limited pharmacy networks that can restrict patient access.

Contention

While proponents highlight the benefits of increased access and choice for patients, there is some contention among stakeholders about the role and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers. Critics of PBMs argue that their practices can limit patient choices and inflate costs. However, there are concerns that the bill may lead to increased operational burdens on pharmacies or could disrupt existing contractual agreements between PBMs and pharmacies. Balancing consumer protections with operational feasibility for pharmacies remains a key point of discussion among lawmakers and industry stakeholders.

Companion Bills

US SB2436

Same As NO PBMs Act Neighborhood Options for Patients Buying Medicines Act

Previously Filed As

US SB2436

NO PBMs Act Neighborhood Options for Patients Buying Medicines Act

US HB2880

Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act

US SB2129

Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act

US SB2052

Protect Patient Access to Pharmacies Act

US SB2405

Strengthening Pharmacy Access for Seniors Act

US HB5372

Expanding Seniors' Access to Lower Cost Medicines Act of 2023

US SB2254

Medicare PBM Accountability Act

US HB3561

PATIENT Act of 2023 Promoting Access to Treatments and Increasing Extremely Needed Transparency Act of 2023

US HB2666

Medicaid VBPs for Patients Act

US SB1967

PBM Act Patients Before Middlemen Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.