The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378)

Please Support the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act

Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), John Smith (R-MO), and Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced H.R. 5378 - the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act - in September. The House is expected to consider the legislation on the evening of Monday, December 11. Please urge your Congressperson to vote in favor of H.R. 5378!

The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) is aimed at increasing transparency in healthcare. This legislation addresses key issues like site-neutral payment reforms and more stringent reporting requirements for hospitals and pharmacy benefit managers, aligning with the goal of making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all. More specifically, the legislation:

Site-Neutral Payment Reform:
Addresses the discrepancy in charges for the same care at different facilities.
Enacts a policy for Medicare to have consistent rates for physician-administered drugs across various locations.
Hospital Price Transparency:
Mandates hospitals to publish an annual list of shoppable services with pricing.
From 2026, prohibits the use of internet-based price estimator tools for this purpose.
Establishes civil penalties for non-compliance (noting current low compliance rate).
PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) Practices:
Introduces requirements for PBMs to provide detailed data on prescription drugs to employers.
Aims to increase transparency in rebate information, acquisition costs, and formulary placement.
Prohibits spread pricing in Medicaid and bars Medicaid MCOs from contracts with PBMs using spread pricing.

Contact your Representatives. Take action today! Please urge your Congressperson to vote in favor of H.R. 5378!