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Increased Pharmacy Choice and Drug Price Transparency in Medicare Part D.

This law aims to improve pharmacy access and potentially lower drug costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries by regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). It mandates that plans accept any willing pharmacy meeting standard terms and requires PBMs to disclose all financial arrangements, eliminating hidden fees. Citizens gain more options for filling prescriptions and benefit from greater cost transparency and competition.
Key points
More Pharmacy Options: Medicare Part D plans must include any pharmacy that meets reasonable contract terms, supporting local and independent pharmacies, especially in underserved areas.
Ending Hidden Fees: PBMs can only earn income through transparent, flat service fees; any other hidden revenue must be returned (disgorged) to the Medicare plans.
Drug Cost Transparency: PBMs must provide detailed reports on drug costs, rebates, and fees retained by them, aiming to drive down prices for patients and improve oversight.
Anti-Retaliation Protection: Pharmacies can report violations of contract terms by PBMs without fear of losing their network participation.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_882
Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Process start date: 2025-03-06
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Patients Before Middlemen Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_882.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-03-06.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • More Pharmacy Options: Medicare Part D plans must include any pharmacy that meets reasonable contract terms, supporting local and independent pharmacies, especially in underserved areas.
  • Ending Hidden Fees: PBMs can only earn income through transparent, flat service fees; any other hidden revenue must be returned (disgorged) to the Medicare plans.
  • Drug Cost Transparency: PBMs must provide detailed reports on drug costs, rebates, and fees retained by them, aiming to drive down prices for patients and improve oversight.
  • Anti-Retaliation Protection: Pharmacies can report violations of contract terms by PBMs without fear of losing their network participation.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits Economy