Weekly Script September 24th, 2023 WEEKLY SC℞IPT Friends, Thank you for taking time to read my weekly update. Below you'll learn more about what I'm doing in Washington to support Iowans in the first district. Visit My Website Navigating the Path to Affordable Medications When patients can't afford the medications they need, they are forced to make difficult choices, often skipping or delaying doses which can lead to poorer health. Moreover, the economic burden of exorbitant drug prices extends beyond individual households. It affects the entire healthcare system. When prescription drugs become prohibitively expensive, we all pay the price. Lowering drug prices can relieve this burden on individuals and the healthcare system as a whole. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), the intermediaries that negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurance companies, were originally intended to control healthcare costs. Since they were created though, PBMs have increasingly come under scrutiny for their opaque practices that often result in inflated drug prices and higher out-of-pocket spending for patients. Their business practices are a complex web of negotiations and financial arrangements that ultimately leave patients and healthcare providers grappling with higher costs. To tackle these issues effectively, Congress has held hearings and is considering reforms. This includes measures to increase transparency in drug pricing negotiations, promote competition, expedite generic drug approvals and ensure that PBMs act in the best interests of patients. This Congress, I have supported the Share the Savings with Seniors Act, HELP Copays Act and the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act. I was proud to sponsor the Share the Savings with Seniors Act, which aims to ensure that senior patients with chronic medical conditions can directly benefit from the savings negotiated by their insurance plans and PBMs. This legislation seeks to lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors who are often caught in the crossfire of skyrocketing prescription prices and inflation rates. The bill takes a bold step by passing rebates directly to seniors, offering much-needed financial relief without compromising the quality of their medications. In an era where financial stability and health should not be at odds, this act brings much-needed support to our seniors who have given so much to our society. I am honored to lead the bipartisan HELP Copays Act, a critical piece of legislation designed to shield patients from insurance and PBM practices that drive up patient out-of-pocket drug costs. The bill addresses the "copay accumulator" schemes used by health plans and PBMs to absorb patients' copay assistance, effectively excluding it from counting towards deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. By requiring health plans and PBMs to consider the value of copay assistance in meeting a patient's cost-sharing requirements, the HELP Copays Act preserves the true intent of copay assistance programs. I was also a cosponsor of the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, a robust effort to bring transparency and fairness to Medicaid programs by eliminating the wasteful and predatory spread pricing tactics employed by PBMs. These tactics result in lower reimbursement rates for pharmacies and artificially inflate healthcare costs. This legislation promises substantial savings for taxpayers by ending the use of spread pricing in Medicaid programs. It establishes oversight and accountability for PBM practices that jeopardize patient access to healthcare and drive-up prescription drug spending. By tackling these issues head-on, the act ensures that Medicaid funds are used efficiently and that patients receive the care they need without undue financial strain. In conclusion, the urgent need to lower prescription drug prices cannot be overstated. It's an issue that impacts the health and financial well-being of millions of Americans. The Share the Savings with Seniors Act, HELP Copays Act, and Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act represent significant steps toward achieving healthcare affordability and accessibility for all. Lowering drug prices is a goal worth pursuing, and these bills offer a prescription for relief for countless Americans. Iowans in DC It is always great to meet with Iowans while they are in Washington! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to residents of the First District allows me to stay informed of what is going on in their communities and what I can do to help. I had the opportunity to meet with Sukup Manufacturing, the world’s largest family-owned and operated manufacturer of grain storage, grain drying and steel storage buildings. It was an honor to meet with women Veterans participating in the Wounded Warrior Project’s 2023 Women Warriors Summit. Thank you for the discussion about ways we can improve mental health, financial security and civilian transition in the Veteran community. I had a great meeting with Jenn Ofelt, President of UnityPoint at Home, about access to at-home healthcare! Thank you, Dennis Hanser, from Wilton Precision Steel, for the update on the great work you all are doing in Wilton, Iowa! Earlier this week, I met with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to discuss their priorities and the Farm Bill. I had a great meeting with the Iowa Transportation Commission to discuss transportation funding issues. Thank you for stopping by. I met with Alexander Hardy, CEO of Genentech, to discuss the impact of drug pricing laws on the industry. Thank you to the Clean Energy Grid Action (CEGA) for meeting with me to discuss achieving energy independence. Thank you to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons for stopping by to discuss the most pressing issues impacting orthopedic surgeons and the broader healthcare community. I had a great meeting with representatives from the American Cancer Society Action Network based in Iowa City, IA to discuss breakthrough cancer research and ensuring access to cancer care. I had a great meeting with the Iowa Turkey Industry to discuss their Farm Bill priorities. Thank you for the discussion. The K9s For Warriors organization is the largest provider of highly-trained Service Dogs for military service members and veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI and MST. Thank you for your admirable work in service to our Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our daily freedoms. I had an informative discussion about workforce development issues with the Association of General Contractors. I met with representatives from Kirkwood Community College during their visit from Cedar Rapids. Thank you for stopping by. Floor Speeches I was honored to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month on the House Floor. I was proud to celebrate a remarkable collaboration between 'Cold Zero Premium Spirits' and Cedar Ridge Distillery that embodies the spirit of giving back and honoring our Veterans. Committee Hearings This week, the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an important hearing on promoting innovation and lowering drug prices titled: "At What Cost: Oversight of How the IRA’s Price Setting Scheme Means Fewer Cures for Patients." This week's Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce hearing focused on "Mapping America’s Supply Chains: Solutions to Unleash Innovation, Boost Economic Resilience, and beat China." The Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing this week titled: "Protecting American Manufacturing: Examining EPA's Proposed PM2.5 Rule." The Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on Medicare innovation, focused on examining policies to improve seniors' access to medicine, medical devices, and technology. The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee held a hearing titled: "VA’s Federal Supremacy Initiative: Putting Veterans First?" Legislative Roundup This week, I introduced the following legislation: The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Relief Act of 2023, legislation that aims to guarantee that Home Medical Equipment (HME) suppliers can provide their products at an affordable rate. Read more here. I voted in favor of the following legislation: H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023, legislation that addresses certain requirements related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical disability examinations for purposes of benefit claims. S. 112, to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida. H.R. 3981, the Veterans Education Oversight Expansion Act, legislation that makes various reforms to processes related to the Department of Veterans Affairs administration of medical disability benefits claims. S. 475, to designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gallup, New Mexico, as the Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura VA Clinic. H.R. 663, the Native American Child Protection Act, which modifies three existing tribal grant programs under the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Act that addresses Indian child abuse. Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more updates. ### Rep. Miller-Meeks | 1034 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]