Bilirakis Grills CMS about Proposed Medicare Part D Changes

"CMS is clearly subverting the intent and letter of the law passed by Congress by needlessly inserting themselves into the Medicare Part D program," Bilirakis said. "CMS justifies their intrusion as a cost-saving measure because they claim their proposed rules will reduce fraud and abuse, among other aspects. Medicare Part D is a wildly successful program, and there are better ways to save money in the Part D program than enacting rules that will reduce seniors' access to affordable medications and increase premiums."

To address Medicare fraud, Representative Bilirakis introduced H.R. 3392, the Medicare Part D Patient Safety and Drug Abuse Prevention Act on October 30, 2013. Congressman Bilirakis' legislation establishes a Safe Pharmacy Access Program, which prevents high-risk beneficiaries from abusing controlled substances. Safe Pharmacy Access Programs monitor the point of sale to prevent prescription drug abuse and drug diversion. It is a cost-saving measure utilized by private industry, TRICARE, and state Medicaid programs. Applying a cost-saving, free market principle to Medicare Part D maintains the foundation upon which Part D was founded. During questioning, Mr. Blum testified regarding his support of pharmacy lock-in, the guiding principle behind H.R. 3392.

This legislation is supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, America's Health Insurance Plans, the Major County Sheriffs' Association, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association, among others.

To watch Congressman Bilirakis' exchange, click here.