Plain Prescription Prices Act
Summary
The "Plain Prescription Prices Act" (H.R. 4623) aims to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing. It mandates that direct-to-consumer television advertisements for prescription drugs and biological products include truthful and non-misleading pricing information. This includes the list price for a typical 30-day regimen or course of treatment, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased awareness among consumers regarding the costs of prescription drugs. This could influence purchasing decisions and potentially drive down drug prices through increased competition. The regulations will be determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Potential Benefits
- Increased price transparency for consumers.
- Potential for more informed healthcare decisions.
- Possible downward pressure on prescription drug prices.
- May encourage consumers to discuss costs with their doctors.
- Could lead to greater competition among drug manufacturers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misleading consumers if list prices do not reflect actual out-of-pocket costs after insurance or discounts.
- Increased advertising costs for drug manufacturers, potentially passed on to consumers.
- Complexity in determining a "typical" 30-day regimen or course of treatment.
- Enforcement challenges for CMS.
- May not significantly impact overall healthcare costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to provide consumers with more information about prescription drug prices, potentially leading to better healthcare decisions. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes the advertising of prescription drugs. The First Amendment implications regarding commercial speech would need to be carefully considered in the regulations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).