To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require that coinsurance for drugs under Medicare part D be based on the drug's actual acquisition cost and not the drug's wholesale acquisition cost.

2/13/2025, 3:18 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1244

Bill 119 hr 1244, also known as the Medicare Part D Cost Sharing Improvement Act of 2021, aims to make changes to the way coinsurance for drugs under Medicare Part D is calculated. Currently, coinsurance for drugs is based on the drug's wholesale acquisition cost, which can often be higher than the actual acquisition cost of the drug.

This bill seeks to require that coinsurance for drugs under Medicare Part D be based on the drug's actual acquisition cost, rather than the wholesale acquisition cost. This change is intended to help lower out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries who rely on prescription drugs to manage their health conditions.

By basing coinsurance on the actual acquisition cost of the drug, this bill aims to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are not overpaying for their medications. This change could potentially save beneficiaries money and make prescription drugs more affordable for those who rely on Medicare Part D for their medication coverage. Overall, the Medicare Part D Cost Sharing Improvement Act of 2021 seeks to improve the affordability of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries by ensuring that coinsurance is based on the actual acquisition cost of the drug, rather than the potentially inflated wholesale acquisition cost.

Congressional Summary of HR 1244

Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act

This bill requires the coinsurance amount for covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit to be based on the actual acquisition cost of the drug (i.e., the negotiated price under the prescription drug plan net of any manufacturer price concessions), rather than the wholesale acquisition cost of the drug, if the actual acquisition cost is lower.

Current Status of Bill HR 1244

Bill HR 1244 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 12, 2025. Bill HR 1244 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 12, 2025. Bill HR 1244's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 February 12, 2025