Bill > S229

This bill requires pharmaceutical companies to include pricing information in their direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug advertisements, starting July 1, 2026. Specifically, for prescription drugs and biological products covered by Medicare or Medicaid with a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of $35 or more for a 30-day supply, advertisements must clearly disclose the drug's WAC. The bill aims to increase transparency in drug pricing, helping consumers understand potential out-of-pocket costs before seeking a prescription. The legislation is motivated by findings that DTC advertising can inflate demand for expensive drugs, that patients often underestimate medication costs, and that price information is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions. Manufacturers who fail to comply could face civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation. The bill acknowledges that the United States is one of only two developed countries allowing DTC pharmaceutical advertising and notes that such ads can significantly influence patient and doctor prescription choices. By requiring price disclosure, the bill seeks to promote market competition, help patients make more cost-effective healthcare choices, and potentially slow the growth of federal spending on prescription drugs.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/229/all-info