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Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2025

5/20/2025, 8:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2484

Bill 119 HR 2484, also known as the Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act of 2025, aims to address the issue of rising prescription drug costs for senior citizens in the United States. The bill focuses on improving access to essential medications for older Americans by implementing several key provisions.

One of the main components of the bill is the establishment of a Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap, which would limit the amount that seniors have to pay for prescription drugs each year. This cap is designed to provide financial relief for older Americans who may be struggling to afford their medications on a fixed income.

Additionally, the Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act includes measures to increase transparency in drug pricing, such as requiring pharmaceutical companies to disclose the costs associated with developing and manufacturing their products. This information would help policymakers and consumers better understand the factors driving prescription drug prices. The bill also seeks to promote the use of generic and biosimilar medications as a way to lower costs for seniors. By encouraging the use of more affordable alternatives to brand-name drugs, the legislation aims to reduce the financial burden on older Americans who rely on prescription medications to manage their health conditions. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2484 represents a bipartisan effort to address the challenges faced by seniors in accessing critical medications. By implementing measures to limit out-of-pocket costs, increase transparency in drug pricing, and promote the use of generic and biosimilar medications, the legislation aims to improve the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs for older Americans.

Congressional Summary of HR 2484

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2025

This bill temporarily expands flexibilities under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law) for certain physicians who dispense covered outpatient drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit at the physician's office location (e.g., through an integrated pharmacy). The Stark law generally prohibits physicians from referring patients to receive services that are payable under Medicare or Medicaid from entities in which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship. 

Specifically, the bill allows, from 2026-2030, physicians to dispense such drugs from the physician's office, including through in-person pickup by a caregiver or via mail, if (1) the physician prescribed the drug, (2) the beneficiary has an ongoing relationship with the physician, (3) the beneficiary had at least one face-to-face visit with the physician in the prior year, and (4) the physician bills for the drug. These requirements also apply to physicians within the same group practice.

The Government Accountability Office must report on pharmacies or pharmacy networks that dispense significantly more covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit after the bill's enactment, the extent to which such pharmacies and networks are owned by physicians or integrated into physician practices, and the common characteristics of these types of arrangements.

Current Status of Bill HR 2484

Bill HR 2484 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 31, 2025. Bill HR 2484 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 31, 2025.  Bill HR 2484's most recent activity was Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 38 - 7. as of April 29, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2484

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
5
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2484

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Congressional oversight
- Government studies and investigations
- Health personnel
- Medicare
- Prescription drugs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2484

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2025
Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2025
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish an exception to the physician self-referral prohibition for certain outpatient prescription drugs furnished by a physician practice under the Medicare program.

Comments

Keaton Garner profile image

Keaton Garner

765

1 year ago

I support this bill as it aims to improve access to critical medications for seniors, which is important for their health and well-being.

Finley Morse profile image

Finley Morse

695

1 year ago

I don't think this bill is a good idea. It could make it harder for me to afford my medications. I heard that it might limit access to certain critical medications for seniors. That's not fair to those who rely on these medications to stay healthy. I'm worried about how this could impact me and others in the long run.

Thalia Garrison profile image

Thalia Garrison

739

11 months ago

I think this bill is really important for seniors like me. It could help make sure we have access to the medications we need to stay healthy. I hope it passes soon!