To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish drug adherence guidelines, and for other purposes.
To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish drug adherence guidelines, and for other purposes.
Plain Language Summary
# HR 1142 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—the federal agency that runs Medicare—to create new guidelines aimed at helping Medicare patients take their medications as prescribed. The goal is to achieve a 90% "adherence rate," meaning 9 out of 10 patients would take their medications correctly and on schedule. The guidelines would use artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to identify which patients might struggle with taking medications and could recommend more affordable generic drugs and biosimilars (lower-cost versions of complex biological medications) when appropriate. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect Medicare beneficiaries (seniors and some younger people with disabilities) and pharmaceutical companies.
By encouraging patients to stick with their medications and promoting cheaper alternatives, it aims to improve health outcomes while potentially reducing costs. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ).
CRS Official Summary
This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish drug adherence guidelines for covered drugs under Medicare so as to achieve an adherence rate of 90%. The CMS must incorporate artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies and promote generics and biosimilars when developing the guidance.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.