On the recordJuly 13, 2016
Madam Speaker, last week, the House passed a comprehensive opioid bill. I am pleased my Medicare part D drug management program was included in this legislation to help address the growing opioid problem within Medicare. This measure, which has the support of CMS and is recommended by the inspector general and GAO, would leverage a program successfully used in commercial insurance, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The growth in commonly prescribed opioids in part D increased by 56 percent from 2006 to 2014. This part D drug management program will help address this growing opioid problem within the Medicare program while assuring those who need medications will have access to their prescriptions. I am proud we could get this done for our seniors and all who are struggling across the country. ____________________
