Rep. Zeldin to CMS: Stop the "Medicare Drug Experiment"

Statement

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) released the following statement today in opposition to the "Medicare Drug Experiment". The Medicare Drug Experiment is a term that is used to refer to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed Part B Drug Payment Model.

On March 8, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that would modify the reimbursement rate for Medicare Part B drugs, which would cut many Medicare drug reimbursements, significantly limiting seniors' access to medication and options of healthcare. In addition to cutting drug reimbursement rates, this ruling would also limit a patient's access to any new drugs that the government deems "too expensive".

Congressman Zeldin said, "As a result of the latest proposed rule by CMS, Long Island's most vulnerable seniors are at risk of losing access to healthcare options and life-altering or life-saving medications. This ruling, done without Congressional input and proposed without even speaking with experts or stakeholders in the healthcare industry, would have a detrimental effect on seniors, which is why I am urging CMS to permanently withdraw their proposal. Adopting a policy shift such as this robs seniors of an individualized approach to treatment for cancer, dialysis and other medications delivered intravenously. Even worse, this change substitutes the patient and physician relationship in favor of treatment options determined by faceless Washington bureaucrats. In the 21st century, our seniors deserve more access to critical life-saving treatments, not reduced options that diminish the quality of life for affected individuals."

On May 2, 2016, Congressman Zeldin joined with 242 members of Congress to send a joint letter to CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt demanding the permanent withdrawal of the proposed Medicare Drug Experiment.

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