Capitol Hill Visits Reap Results

by Sydney Abbott, JD, Policy Coordinator, ACCC

Thanks to all who participated in ACCC’s Capitol Hill Day pre-conference held before the 37th Annual National Meeting. Congratulations on your hard work!

ACCC member advocacy efforts at the Association’s March 24 Capitol Hill Day have helped to enlist four new co-sponsorships of S. 296 and H.R. 905, plus the introduction and co-sponsorship of new companion legislation in the Senate for the Prompt Pay Bill (S. 733).

We focused on two key issues with current legislation: the unprecedented prescription drug shortages and the prompt pay discount. Our message was clearly delivered, and our congressional members are now taking action.

The personal stories and firsthand experiences you shared with congressional leaders about the troubles arising from the short supply of certain chemotherapy drugs hit home for many offices. In particular, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was persuaded not only to support, but also to cosponsor S. 296, the Senate bill to shift reporting requirements for drug shortages from providers to manufacturers. In communication with his office this week I learned that our members visiting his office on the Hill Day had a direct impact on his decision. The “Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act,” currently enjoys co-sponsorship of five senators.

Another issue discussed with congressional members – one that is near and dear to many providers’ hearts – was removal of the prompt pay discount from Medicare ASP reimbursement calculations. Again, congratulations are in order. Your efforts convinced Congressmen Hank Johnson (D-GA), Bruce Braley (D-IA), and Brad Miller (D-NC) to sign on as co-sponsors of H.R. 905 just days after our meetings. H.R. 905 follows Medicaid’s precedent by removing the prompt pay discount from reimbursement calculations for average sales price (ASP). The Prompt Pay House Bill now has an impressive 28 sponsors and co-sponsors.

Not only do we have new co-sponsors for the legislation we support, your advocacy also encouraged Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) to introduce new legislation to bring the prompt pay discount bill to the Senate (S. 733). Shortly after its introduction, Senator Robert Casey (D-PA) also signed on as a co-sponsor. This is a major step toward passage since companion legislation is required to succeed in the House and Senate before a bill can become law. The newly introduced Prompt Pay Senate Bill is gaining steam with 3 sponsors and cosponsors.

The fast response by our congressional leaders is a testament to the hard work and focused advocacy efforts of ACCC’s members. If your representative has recently signed onto one or more of these pieces of legislation, please take a minute to thank them, either through e-mail or phone call. If your representatives have not yet signed on, please visit ACCC’s Legislative Action Center to learn more about the issues and send a letter to your members of Congress.

Thank you so much for your continued efforts, and ACCC will keep you posted on new developments.