Bill > HR2248

This bill, titled the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2011, would amend Medicare Part D, which is the voluntary prescription drug benefit program for Medicare beneficiaries. The key provision directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower the prices of covered prescription drugs for Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors and Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations. These negotiated prices would then apply to drugs dispensed to individuals enrolled in these plans, including Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these negotiations would not allow the Secretary to dictate specific drug formularies (lists of covered drugs) but would still require plans to ensure beneficiaries have adequate access to necessary medications. The Secretary would also be required to report to Congress on the progress and outcomes of these negotiations.