PBM Reform Act is a distraction from the calamity that awaits
An OPINION from Jim King, Owego NY
In a recent press release and again in his December 21 weekly newsletter Nick Langworthy bragged about his participation in legislation that has not become law. H.R. 4317, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Reform Act, is a needed bipartisan-bicameral amendment to the Social Security Act which would limit price gouging by middlemen in supplying schedule D medicines for Medicare. Most of its provisions were deleted from the December 2024 Continuing Resolution, and became this bill. This reform, with its nearly $5 billion in savings, has stalled twice.
Congratulations to Nick for recognizing the need. Shame on Nick for not forcing the issue. Instead, he justly complains about his (and my) Republican party’s current House leadership.
In his newsletter, Nick stated: “I remain energized and committed to delivering results—lowering costs, strengthening healthcare access, …”. It’s a commitment he broke when voted to gut the Affordable Care Act’s insurance subsidies. Nick has no alternative to the ACA. He made this healthcare affordability problem worse.
Moreover, in committee on December 16 he voted against H.R. 6703, which aimed to lower health care premiums. On the floor, on December 17, he voted against H. Res. 953, which provided for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6703) to ensure access to affordable health insurance. He even voted against having a House floor debate on the issue.
His votes contradict his stated commitment to “lowering costs, strengthening healthcare access”.
The Congressman dangles the shiny object of the PBM Reform Act as a distraction from the calamity that awaits. Medicare recipients in 2029 may pay a little less for medicines, while in 2026 Medicare recipients and others, will pay hundreds to thousands of dollars more per month for medical insurance.
James King is a moderate Republican candidate for NY 23, visit https://king4ny23.com to learn more
