Coastal GA News

U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) recently announced the House's approval of his legislation, aimed at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to enhance price transparency and lower medication costs. This initiative forms part of the comprehensive Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, designed to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility.

According to a release by Carter's office, the representative expressed his satisfaction with the House's decision. "I am thrilled that the House voted to pull back the curtains on PBMs by reducing health care costs and increasing price transparency for patients," said Carter. "Combined, my bills that were included in this landmark package will end the predatory spread pricing practice in Medicaid programs, raise reporting requirements for PBMs, and ensure pharmacists are fairly reimbursed when filling prescriptions for Medicaid beneficiaries, getting us one step closer to a health care system that puts patients before profits."

In another statement released by his office, Carter highlighted that PBMs often contribute to rising prescription medication expenses and create obstacles to care.

The same release also introduced H.R. 1613 or the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act. According to Carter, this legislation aims to save taxpayers billions by discontinuing what he describes as wasteful and predatory Medicaid spread pricing implemented by PBMs. Meanwhile, H.R. 2679 or the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Accountability Act seeks to elevate reporting standards for PBMs with hopes of enhancing transparency within the drug supply chain.

Carter's office further explained that the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act includes provisions intended to enhance price transparency within the healthcare system. It mandates public listing of prices charged by hospitals, insurers, labs, and surgical centers with an aim to provide patients and employers with comprehensive cost information. Additionally, it focuses on reducing prescription drug expenses particularly for seniors at hospital-owned outpatient facilities while expanding access to affordable generic drugs and providing employers with drug price details for better decision-making. The Act also allocates funding towards sustaining healthcare programs, including support for community health centers, training initiatives for new doctors, and upholding Medicaid for hospitals serving uninsured and low-income patients.

According to Carter's website, he has been a U.S. representative for Georgia's 1st congressional district since 2015. His district is centered in Savannah and encompasses a significant portion of the state's southern coastal region.