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End Price Gouging for Medications Act
1/4/2025, 11:17 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4215
Bill 118 hr 4215, also known as the End Price Gouging for Medications Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of price gouging in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in relation to medications.
The bill aims to prevent pharmaceutical companies from unfairly raising the prices of essential medications, such as insulin and EpiPens, which are necessary for the health and well-being of many Americans. Price gouging occurs when companies significantly increase the price of a product without any justification, often leading to financial hardship for consumers who rely on these medications.
If passed, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act would establish regulations to limit the ability of pharmaceutical companies to engage in price gouging. This could include measures such as price caps, transparency requirements, and penalties for companies found to be engaging in unfair pricing practices. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect consumers from the harmful effects of price gouging, which can lead to individuals being unable to afford the medications they need to stay healthy. They believe that the government has a responsibility to intervene in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that essential medications remain affordable for all Americans. Opponents of the bill may argue that government intervention in pricing could have unintended consequences, such as limiting innovation in the pharmaceutical industry or leading to shortages of essential medications. They may also argue that market forces should be allowed to determine the price of medications, rather than government regulation. Overall, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at addressing the issue of price gouging in the pharmaceutical industry. If passed, it could have significant implications for how medications are priced and accessed by consumers in the United States.
The bill aims to prevent pharmaceutical companies from unfairly raising the prices of essential medications, such as insulin and EpiPens, which are necessary for the health and well-being of many Americans. Price gouging occurs when companies significantly increase the price of a product without any justification, often leading to financial hardship for consumers who rely on these medications.
If passed, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act would establish regulations to limit the ability of pharmaceutical companies to engage in price gouging. This could include measures such as price caps, transparency requirements, and penalties for companies found to be engaging in unfair pricing practices. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect consumers from the harmful effects of price gouging, which can lead to individuals being unable to afford the medications they need to stay healthy. They believe that the government has a responsibility to intervene in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that essential medications remain affordable for all Americans. Opponents of the bill may argue that government intervention in pricing could have unintended consequences, such as limiting innovation in the pharmaceutical industry or leading to shortages of essential medications. They may also argue that market forces should be allowed to determine the price of medications, rather than government regulation. Overall, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at addressing the issue of price gouging in the pharmaceutical industry. If passed, it could have significant implications for how medications are priced and accessed by consumers in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 4215
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set maximum prices for prescription drugs under specified federal health programs. Specifically, HHS must establish reference prices based on certain factors, including the lowest retail price for a drug among specified reference countries.
Retail prices of covered drugs under specified federal health programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) may not exceed the established reference prices. Drugs must also be available at such prices to uninsured individuals and to individuals with private health insurance.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 4215
Bill HR 4215 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 20, 2023. Bill HR 4215 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on June 20, 2023. Bill HR 4215's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4215
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4215
Primary Policy Focus
HealthPotential Impact Areas
- Asia
- Australia
- Canada
- Civil actions and liability
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Health care costs and insurance
- Health care coverage and access
- Inflation and prices
- Italy
- Japan
- Medicaid
- Medical research
- Medicare
- Military medicine
- Netherlands
- North America
- Oceania
- Prescription drugs
- Retail and wholesale trades
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Veterans' medical care
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4215
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish reference prices for prescription drugs for purposes of Federal health programs, and for other purposes.
Comments
Westin Cox
459
11 months ago
I'm all for this bill. It's about time something was done to stop these pharmaceutical companies from ripping us off. This is a step in the right direction to make medications more affordable for everyone. It's about time they start looking out for the people instead of their profits.
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4215
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