Health Policy Report – April 30, 2025

House Energy & Commerce Committee Holds Markup on the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act

On April 29, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a markup on six healthcare bills, including H.R. 2484, the Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act. In a vote of 38-7, the committee advanced the bill, which would establish an exception that allows for dispensed medicines to be picked up by a family member or caregiver on behalf of a patient, or be delivered by mail, or courier service.

During his opening remarks, Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) expressed support for the bill. “The Seniors Access to Critical Medications Act, led by Representatives Harshbarger and Wasserman Schultz, increases access to care by allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive their prescriptions either by mail or by having a family member or caregiver pick up the medication on their behalf,” he stated. 

“It’s critically important for the wellbeing of cancer patients and others with serious diseases who are too sick to pick up their medications in person,” said Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), the bill’s sponsor, during the markup. 

The Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act now heads to the full US House of Representatives floor for consideration in the upcoming weeks.  

To watch the hearing, CLICK HERE. 

To read Chairman Guthrie’s opening remarks, CLICK HERE.

To urge your Representative to pass H.R. 2484, CLICK HERE.

The Network Announces Dr. Les Busby as Chief Medical Officer

The Network is excited to welcome Les Busby, MD of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers as our new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective on July 1. With 23 years of experience as a community-based hematology and medical oncology physician, Dr. Busby’s invaluable insights and perspectives will strengthen our ability to foster innovation and help practices continue to offer high-quality care, close to home. 

With his leadership, we’re also looking forward to continuing to ensure that The Network’s voice is heard amongst policymakers – both in Washington, D.C and in state capitals around the country. Welcome, Dr. Busby!

Senator Bill Cassidy Releases Report on 340B Program

On April 24, Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released a report on the 340B Drug Pricing Program calling for “much-needed” transparency.

The investigation began in late 2023 as a response to increasing scrutiny of the program and ongoing legal battles about the use of contract pharmacies in dispensing 340B-eligible drugs.  

The report’s findings showed that covered hospitals generate millions in 340B savings but don’t pass the discounts directly to patients. “This investigation underscores that there are transparency and oversight concerns that prevent 340B discounts from translating to better access or lower costs for patients. Congress needs to act to bring much-needed reform to the 340B Program,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I look forward to continuing my efforts to bring transparency and improvements to the 340B Program.”

The report outlined potential policy changes, including detailed reporting measures, further investigations on contract pharmacies and third-party investigators who use 340B, and legislative changes to 340B eligibility.

To read more, CLICK HERE.

To read the report, CLICK HERE.

Leaked Trump Administration Budget Proposal Includes Cuts to HHS

According to a leaked draft budget proposal, the Trump administration is considering a more than 30% cut in discretionary spending by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

HHS – which had a discretionary budget of about $121 billion in fiscal year 2024 – would see a decrease to $80 billion under the proposal. The document proposes cutting some public health initiatives around HIV/AIDs prevention while funding for federal programs focused on autism, chronic disease, drug abuse, and mental health would be scaled back. 

The document calls not only for funding cuts but also for a major restructuring of health and human service agencies. Under the plan, several prominent elements of the Centers for Disease Control would be abolished, while the National Institute of Health (NIH) would see downsizing and reorganization. The plan allocates $500 million to the newly proposed Administration for a Healthy America, which would support “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives, including a focus on chronic childhood diseases.

It remains unclear which proposed cuts will remain in the budget proposal sent to Congress and whether they will be accepted by lawmakers. 

To read more, CLICK HERE.

Trump Administration Launches Investigation into Pharmaceutical Tariffs

On April 14, the Trump administration took a step to tariff pharmaceutical imports, disclosing a plan to launch an investigation into the effects of importing certain pharmaceuticals on national security. 

The probe, known as a Section 232 investigation, allows the president to impose trade restrictions if certain imports threaten national security. It also gives the administration power to take other non-trade-related actions as deemed necessary. 

The threats have put the pharmaceutical industry on edge, with experts warning that the plan could disrupt global supply chains. Public comments are open on the issue for 21 days, while an investigative report to President Trump is due in 270 days. 

To read more, CLICK HERE.

Arkansas Implements Law Limiting PBM Ownership of Pharmacies, Leading Way for Other States

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a first-of-its kind law last week preventing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies, as states increasingly move to restrict controversial business practices of powerful drug middlemen. 

Arkansas’ legislation is meant to prevent a conflict of interest that comes when PBMs own pharmacies, a trend that was highlighted by the Federal Trade Commissions’ reports last year. 

“For far too long, drug middlemen called PBMs have taken advantage of lax regulations to abuse customers, inflate drug prices, and cut off access to critical medications. Not anymore,” Sanders, a Republican, said in a statement after signing the legislation.

Scrutiny of PBMs has been heating up over the last few years, but Congress failed to take action last year, leaving a gap that states appear willing to step into. Other states could follow Arkansas’ lead, as bills with similar provisions were recently introduced in Vermont, Texas, and New York.  

To read more, CLICK HERE.

To read a statement from Governor Huckabee Sanders, CLICK HERE.