President Signs Into Law Rosen-Backed Bills to Increase Consumer Protections, Lower Prescription Drug Costs

Press Release

Today, two bipartisan bills Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) co-sponsored to protect Nevada consumers from high prescription drug costs were signed into law by the President. The Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act (S. 2554) guarantees that health insurance issuers and group health plans do not prohibit pharmacy providers from providing information to consumers about how to lower their out-of-pocket costs. The Know the Lowest Price Act of 2018 (S. 2553) bars gag clauses that prohibit pharmacies from disclosing to consumers that they can, in certain cases, save money by paying out-of-pocket rather than with Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Rosen is a co-sponsor of the identical House companions to both Senate bills (H.R. 6143 and H.R. 6144). Last week, Rosen visited the Touro Health Center in Henderson and touted the recent passage of both bills.

"For too long, working families across this country have been burdened with the rising costs of medications," said Rosen. "I'm proud to see these bills that I co-sponsored signed into law today and believe both will help Nevadans afford their prescription drugs and inform consumers about the best prices available. I will continue to advocate for Nevada families by working on smart solutions that help families save money on their health care."

BACKGROUND: In July, Rosen introduced the bicameral Capping Prescription Costs Act with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). This bill takes meaningful steps to address the problem of high drug costs by placing a monthly limit on what consumers pay in out-of-pocket drug costs, capping prescription drug copays at $250 per month for individuals and $500 per month for families.

Rosen also led a House Resolution that would authorize the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives to intervene in a pending federal lawsuit on behalf of the House to defend the constitutionality of the ACA's coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The resolution is co-sponsored by more than 100 Members of Congress, including Ranking Members of all House committees of jurisdiction.

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