of Leadership methods that reduce costs and increase transparency The efforts in the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means and Education, and Labor and Welfare committees were originally scheduled for votes in September, but broader fights over government spending and concerns about not having enough Democrats It was suddenly canceled amid concerns that the event would not be possible. board.
This bill has been voted on as follows: Suspension of rulesThat is, it requires support of two-thirds of the chamber to pass through.
The bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in September, but faced opposition from key Democrats like Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee. They opposed the bill because it did not include the following provisions: private equity ownership of medical facilities.
Among other provisions, this bill: Prohibited spread pricing Provides information from pharmacy benefit managers and adds site-neutral payment reforms to Medicare. This means that reimbursement is the same for the same care regardless of where it is provided.
The facility-neutral payment provision has drawn the ire of the hospital industry, which supports other parts of the bill.
The bill is “a win for everyone who has struggled to understand the costs of medical procedures and prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter.” Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. The New Jersey congressman, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said before the vote:
“These measures will give consumers and employers access to data on the prices hospitals charge and insurance companies pay, allowing them to compare prices and save money,” he added. Ta.
