Bills · HR 1244
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1244MedicareHealth care costs and insurance
Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act
INTRO FEB 12· LAST ACTION FEB 12
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to directly reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for many seniors. If passed, it means that when you pay a percentage of a drug's cost, that percentage will be calculated from the true, lower price the insurer paid, rather than a potentially higher, less transparent list price. This could lead to meaningful savings for individuals, making essential medications more affordable.
If it doesn't pass, seniors will continue to pay coinsurance based on the wholesale acquisition cost, potentially paying more than necessary for their medications, even when insurers receive significant discounts behind the scenes.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Changes how coinsurance for certain Medicare Part D drugs is calculated, basing it on the "actual acquisition cost" instead of the "wholesale acquisition cost" when the former is lower.
This could significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors by using the real, discounted price of drugs for calculating their share.
PROVISION 02
Defines "actual acquisition cost" as the negotiated price of a drug, minus any discounts or rebates from the manufacturer.
This ensures that the lower, net price paid by the plan is used for coinsurance calculation, reflecting the true cost.
PROVISION 03
The change in coinsurance calculation will apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
This sets a clear timeline for when seniors can expect to see potential savings.
PROVISION 04
The new calculation applies to costs above the annual deductible and below the annual out-of-pocket threshold, for drugs subject to coinsurance.
This clarifies the specific phase of Medicare Part D coverage where the lower coinsurance would apply, impacting a wide range of beneficiaries.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· North Carolina
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
30
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 12
Introduced in House
FEB 12
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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1244
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 12, 2025
Last actionFeb 12, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 12, 2025
House BillHR 1244MedicareHealth care costs and insurance
Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act
INTRODUCED FEB 12, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 12, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
