California Life Sciences Supports Inclusion of Important Patient Access Protections in Continuing Resolution, Urges Swift Passage

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec 17, 2024


Washington, D.C. — Today Congress released legislation to fund the federal government through early 2025 and CLS is pleased to see that it includes multiple health care provisions that are critical to improving patient outcomes and access to care.

Among the key provisions for patients, is legislation to reform PBM practices that increase patient costs, as well as reauthorizations of critical health care programs such as the FDA’s Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher program and the Pandemic All Preparedness and Hazards Act.

Provisions in the end of year package that will help advance patient access and affordability include, but are not limited to:

  • Preventing the use of abusive spread pricing in the Medicaid program
  • Prohibiting PBMs from deriving compensation based on the list price of the drug in the Medicare program
  • Requiring new transparency and oversight of PBM related data and information in contracts with part D and employer health plans
  • Reauthorizing the authority of the FDA to issue Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Vouchers to encourage the research and development of treatments for rare diseases through FY2029
  • Adding multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests as a covered benefit under the Medicare program
  • Extending certain telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2026
  • Reauthorizing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act through December 31, 2026
  • Reauthorizing provisions of the SUPPORT Act that provide for opioid use disorder prevention, recovery, and treatment through FY2029

The health care reforms included in this legislative package will have a meaningful impact the lives of patients across California, and the nation. We urge Congress to quickly pass this Continuing Resolution and ensure its timely enactment.

 

About California Life Sciences: California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s leading advocacy organization for the life sciences, promoting the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has served the community by supporting companies of all sizes, from early-stage innovators and startups to established industry leaders in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology.

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Katie Kiss
Senior Director, Marketing
California Life Sciences
(858) 456-8894
[email protected]