House of Representatives has passed the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, a landmark bill aimed at removing obstacles to vital medications for seniors with cancer and other serious illnesses.
At a Glance
- The House unanimously passed the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act, moving it to the Senate.
- The bill addresses challenges in the Physician Self-Referral Law to ease medication delivery.
- The Stark Law initially restricted mail delivery of medications, impacting patient access.
- The legislation aims to make a CMS waiver for medication delivery via mail or caregivers permanent.
Passing of a Critical Act
On September 2, 2024, the US House of Representatives made a promising advancement in healthcare by passing the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act. Initially introduced by Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, this legislation seeks to amend the existing rules that inhibit seniors’ access to necessary medications. The bill garnered bipartisan support and was unanimously passed, moving it forward to the Senate for further consideration. This demonstrates a unified legislative effort to address the needs of some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
The legislation challenges the current understanding of the Stark Law, officially known as the Physician Self-Referral Law, which dates back to 1989. Originally, this law sought to prevent self-referrals in cases where physicians have financial interests, but its stance on mail-order medication delivery has presented hurdles for healthcare providers. Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reinterpreted this law to restrict mail delivery of medications to independent oncology practices.
Great news for patient care! The "Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act" (H.R. 5526) just passed unanimously (43-0) in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. https://t.co/s1XfAtIY0j
— NCODA (@NCODAorg) June 13, 2024
Implications of Policy Changes
With the Stark Law’s reinterpretation and the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, new guidelines necessitated in-person pickup of medications. As a result, patients lost the convenient option of receiving medications by mail, which had been allowed during the pandemic. Reacting to this change, the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, claiming this policy shift was both unconstitutional and detrimental to patient wellbeing.
Addressing the needs of seniors, particularly those in rural areas who struggle with transportation, the legislation aims to make the CMS waiver during the pandemic a permanent solution. This waiver allowed medications to be delivered by mail or through caregivers if patients were unable to visit their doctors. Such measures are vital to ensure timely access for seniors with serious illnesses.
A Step Toward Modernized Healthcare
Congresswoman Harshbarger, alongside 53 other members of Congress, called for measures to modernize Medicare and eliminate barriers to critical medications. This bill marks an effort to adapt healthcare policies to contemporary standards, enhancing accessibility for those who need it most. The House’s progress in passing the legislation reflects the critical need for policy adjustments to support seniors in managing their health effectively.
The bipartisan support for the bill echoes the sentiments of many lawmakers who recognize the importance of increasing care access, especially for cancer survivors and those battling chronic illnesses. With influential figures like Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz backing the bill, the Senate now holds the responsibility to continue this momentum and act in favor of this essential healthcare reform.
Sources:
- House Unanimously Passes Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act
- Harshbarger Introduces Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act
