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PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023

3/12/2024, 8:02 AM

Summary of Bill S 1703

Bill 118 s 1703, also known as the PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with the option to choose their own prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D.

The bill aims to give PACE participants more control over their healthcare by allowing them to select a Part D plan that best meets their individual needs and preferences. This would enable them to access a wider range of prescription drugs and potentially lower their out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, the PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023 seeks to streamline the process for PACE organizations to enroll participants in Part D plans, making it easier for beneficiaries to navigate the healthcare system and receive the medications they need in a timely manner. Overall, this legislation is designed to enhance the healthcare options and flexibility available to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in PACE programs, ultimately improving their access to prescription drugs and quality of care.

Congressional Summary of S 1703

PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023

This bill allows Medicare-only beneficiaries who are enrolled in Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to choose prescription drug plans that are not operated by PACE. (PACE is a program under Medicare and Medicaid that provides in-home and community services for certain individuals as an alternative to nursing home care.)

Specifically, the bill allows PACE enrollees who are Medicare (but not Medicaid) beneficiaries to choose a prescription drug plan that is not a Medicare Advantage plan or operated by PACE and for which annual out-of-pocket costs and federal subsidies are equal to or less than that under the applicable PACE prescription drug plan. The bill also allows for disenrollment from a chosen plan upon a change in medication or demonstration of an unexpected increase in out-of-pocket costs.

PACE programs must conduct outreach, monitor data, and coordinate benefits with respect to such options.

Current Status of Bill S 1703

Bill S 1703 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 18, 2023. Bill S 1703 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 18, 2023.  Bill S 1703's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of May 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1703

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

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1703

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Health care costs and insurance
- Medicare
- Prescription drugs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1703

PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023
PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicare-only PACE program enrollees have a choice of prescription drug plans under Medicare part D.

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