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Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022

12/29/2022, 6:05 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8270

Bill 117 HR 8270, also known as the Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to require pharmacies to notify patients when their prescription medications are available for early refill in the event of a declared emergency or disaster.

The bill aims to ensure that patients have access to necessary medications during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. By providing advance notification of early refills, patients can better prepare and ensure they have an adequate supply of medication on hand.

Under the Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act, pharmacies would be required to notify patients by phone, email, or other electronic means when their prescription medications are available for early refill. This notification would be triggered by a declaration of emergency or disaster at the federal, state, or local level. The bill also includes provisions to protect patient privacy and ensure that pharmacies comply with notification requirements in a timely manner. Additionally, the legislation includes penalties for pharmacies that fail to comply with the notification requirements. Overall, the Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022 aims to improve access to essential medications for patients during times of crisis and ensure that individuals can effectively manage their health needs in emergency situations.

Congressional Summary of HR 8270

Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022

This bill requires private health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs to notify plan holders about the plan's policy concerning advance drug refills in response to a national or public health emergency. Specifically, the plan must notify plan holders in emergency areas whether the plan is waiving time limits on authorized prescription refills and, if so, the process for obtaining an early refill. Plans must issue such notification within five days of an emergency being declared.

Concerning the public health emergency declared in response to COVID-19, a plan must provide initial notification of its waiver policy not later than five days after this bill is enacted.

Current Status of Bill HR 8270

Bill HR 8270 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 1, 2022. Bill HR 8270 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 1, 2022.  Bill HR 8270's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of July 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8270

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 HR 8270

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8270

Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022
Emergency Advance Refill Notification Act of 2022
To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide notices relating to prescription drug refills to individuals covered under such plans or coverage who reside in emergency areas during emergency periods.

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