WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Chariman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Subcommittee on Health Chairman Michael C. Burgess M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after President Donald Trump today signed two important bills into law, S. 2553 the Know the Lowest Price Act of 2018, and S. 2554 the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act.
“Health care is an important and personal aspect of a patient’s life, and we should always work to improve transparency and accountability throughout our system," said Chairman Walden, and #SubHealth Chairman Burgess. “This legislation paves the way for pharmacists to freely and responsibly advise their patients on the cost of various medications and different payment methods, free from restrictions imposed by take-it-or-leave-it contracts with insurers. Community pharmacists need the ability to work with their patients to provide them the best access to the medications they need, and this legislation will help them do just that. We look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to improve transparency and lower health care costs for patients across the country."
Background
The Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed H.R. 6733 the Know the Cost Act of 2018, authored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), by voice vote on September 13th. The bill was cospsonsered by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), #SubOversight Vice Chairman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), #SubHealth Chairman Burgess, and #SubHealth Ranking Member Gene Green (D-TX).
