NURS 6050 Week 4 assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement Example Paper.
Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) Example Healthcare Bills:
The Medicare for All Act of 2023 (H.R. 1976): This bill was introduced in the House in March 2023 by Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and has over 100 Democratic co-sponsors. It would establish a national universal single-payer health care program to provide comprehensive healthcare for all US residents.
The Lower Health Care Costs Act (S. 3): Introduced in 2019 by Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA), this bill included proposals to increase transparency in healthcare costs and prices, reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and strengthen protections for people with pre-existing conditions. It passed the Senate but was not taken up in the House.
The State Public Option Act (H.R. 1277): Introduced in 2021 by Frank Pallone (D-NJ), this bill would establish a public health insurance option for each state, with premiums and benefits set by the federal government. It remains in committee.
The Prescription Drug Price Relief Act (S. 4): Introduced in 2021 by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), this bill includes proposals to allow the federal government to negotiate prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs, cap out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and make it easier to import drugs from Canada. It remains in committee.
The Lower Health Care Costs Act (S. 1895): Introduced in 2021 by Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), this bill includes proposals to increase price transparency, limit surprise medical billing, enhance competition, and lower prescription drug costs. It remains in committee.
The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Act (S. 3795): Introduced in 2022 by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), this bill would allow the federal government to negotiate prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D. It remains in committee.
The Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act (H.R. 5376): Introduced in 2023, this bill includes proposals to cap insulin costs, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, extend enhanced ACA subsidies, and strengthen the public health workforce. It passed the House and awaits Senate action.
The Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2024. This bill aims to allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to negotiate prices for prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D. It would also establish a formulary and limit launch prices for drugs.
Legislation Comparison Grid
Legislative Intent: The Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2024 aims to lower prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries by allowing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers (GovTrack, 2024).
Proponents: Supporters of the bill include AARP, several patient advocacy groups, and many Democrats in Congress who argue that giving Medicare negotiating power will reduce costs for seniors and taxpayers (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2024).
Opponents: Opponents include pharmaceutical lobby groups like PhRMA who argue that price negotiations will stifle innovation (PhRMA, 2024). Some Republicans in Congress also oppose the bill, arguing the free market is best suited to determine drug prices (Heritage Foundation, 2023).
Target Populations: The primary target population is Medicare beneficiaries, as the bill seeks to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D plans. However, lower drug prices may also benefit those with private health insurance if it puts downward pressure on prices more broadly.
Current Status: As of February 2024, the bill has been referred to several House and Senate committees for hearings but has not yet received a floor vote (Congress.gov, 2024). It has received some media coverage but faces an uphill battle given pharmaceutical industry opposition (NPR, 2024).
The Primary Health Care Improvement Act of 2024. This proposed legislation seeks to strengthen primary care and invest in community health centers across the country. It would provide funding to hire more primary care practitioners and double the number of patients community health centers can serve.
