Bilirakis Works to Protect Patients from Administration’s Medicare Drug Experiment

The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health today held a hearing to examine a recently proposed rule from CMS on its Part B Drug Payment Model. The proposed rule is a mandatory experiment, which would be conducted across the country. Members reviewed legislation which would block the proposal from advancing.

"The administration continues to push its agenda on our health care professionals and patients," said Congressman Bilirakis. "This experiment with our nation's seniors is reckless. We must work to include patients' and doctors' perspectives in our health care system, and not let unelected Washington bureaucrats haphazardly concoct treatment plans. Today's hearing allowed us to better understand what this proposed rule would mean for millions in our nation – it is clear we must stop this from being implemented."

Members heard directly from patients and doctors on the potential affects of the administration's Medicare drug experiment. Earlier this year, Congressman Bilirakis questioned Secretary Burwell on the administration's plan to change Medicare payments for part B during a budget hearing. Today, he discussed the proposed experiment with doctors and patients:

"I will continue working to protect our seniors, and all patients, from the administration's harmful plan," added Bilirakis. "We must empower patients to make their own health care decisions."

To read witness testimony, read text of the legislation, and watch the hearing, click here.