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End Price Gouging for Medications Act

3/13/2024, 1:44 AM

Summary of Bill S 2044

Bill 118 s 2044, also known as the End Price Gouging for Medications Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal 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 prices of these medications without any justification, leading to financial strain for patients who rely on them.

If passed, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act would establish regulations to limit the amount by which pharmaceutical companies can increase the prices of medications. It would also require these companies to provide transparency regarding the costs associated with producing these medications, in order to prevent unjustified price hikes. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for price gouging, including penalties for those found to be in violation of the regulations. This is intended to deter companies from engaging in this harmful practice and protect consumers from being exploited. Overall, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act seeks to ensure that essential medications remain affordable and accessible for all Americans, and to prevent pharmaceutical companies from taking advantage of patients in need. It is an important piece of legislation that addresses a pressing issue in the healthcare industry.

Congressional Summary of S 2044

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.

Current Status of Bill S 2044

Bill S 2044 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 20, 2023. Bill S 2044 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on June 20, 2023.  Bill S 2044's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of June 20, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2044

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2044

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential 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 S 2044

End Price Gouging for Medications Act
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
A bill 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.

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