Prescription Drug Cost Transparency Bill
Official: Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act
This bill establishes new reporting rules for pharmacy benefit managers to ensure transparency in prescription drug pricing under Medicare. It aims to help seniors understand their medication costs better.
Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act This bill establishes reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage, particularly relating to the prices of prescription drugs. Specifically, PBMs must (1) disclose certain information underlying cost performance measurements (e. g., exclusions and terms), and (2) report to prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors (and to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services upon request) an itemized list of prescription drugs that were dispensed during the previous year and related data about costs, claims, affiliated pharmacies, and other specified information. PDP sponsors may audit PBMs to ensure compliance with this bill's requirements and must annually certify their compliance; PBMs are responsible for any associated civil penalties for violations. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must study federal and state reporting requirements for health plans and PBMs with respect to prescription drug price transparency and recommend ways to streamline these requirements.
1. This bill requires pharmacy benefit managers to report on drug pricing and performance. 2. It mandates clear definitions for drug types and pricing guarantees. 3. Pharmacy benefit managers must submit annual reports detailing covered drugs and costs. 4. The bill aims to improve transparency in prescription drug plans for Medicare recipients. 5. It applies to plans starting January 1, 2028.