Congress 109 - HR 5179 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure adequate payment amounts for drugs and biologicals under part B of the Medicare Program.

Sponsor

Rep. Ralph M. Hall (D-TX)

Cosponsors

Topics

Commerce Consumer discounts Drugs Health Medical fees Medicare Physicians Prescription pricing Social Welfare

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Votes

Summary

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the average sales price methodology for payment for drugs and biologicals under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the payment amount for a drug or biological to the extent necessary to ensure that it is in no case less than the widely available market price.

Limits the prompt pay discounts included in the calculation of the manufacturer's average sales price to those discounts furnished to physicians. Excludes such discounts from the average sales price calculation for years after 2004.

Actions

May 15, 2006

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Apr 25, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Apr 25, 2006

Introduced in House

Amendments

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