Bill > S2617

This bill aims to reduce drug costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries by requiring that coinsurance (the percentage of a drug's cost that patients pay) be calculated based on a drug's net price rather than its list price, starting from January 1, 2026. Currently, patients often pay coinsurance based on a drug's higher list price, which can be significantly more expensive than the actual negotiated price. Under this bill, if a drug's net price (the negotiated price after manufacturer discounts and rebates) is lower than its list price, the patient's coinsurance will be calculated using the lower net price. The bill defines "net price" as the negotiated price of a drug minus any manufacturer-provided price concessions, as reported in the Detailed DIR (Direct and Indirect Remuneration) Report. This change is intended to provide more transparency and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors purchasing prescription drugs through Medicare Part D, though it does not apply to certain specific types of drugs. The bill would be known as the "Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act" and would amend the Social Security Act to implement these changes.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2617/all-info