Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic, if there is one, was the proliferation of new, effective ways to deliver healthcare. Of course, we saw the rise of telehealth, but we also saw an increased use of mail to deliver prescription drugs to patients. Mailing prescription drugs to patients, especially those who live in rural communities, helped increase access to care and medication adherence by reducing the need to travel long distances to your nearest pharmacy. For seniors who may struggle with mobility, this change was especially important. {time} 1600 Unfortunately, Federal laws limit the ability for seniors to take advantage of these benefits. CMS states that if a Medicare beneficiary wants to see an independent physician that also owns a pharmacy, the Medicare beneficiary must pick up their drugs from that physician-owned pharmacy in person. That pharmacy cannot mail the drug directly to the patient or let a family member pick up the drug on the Medicare patient's behalf. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS relaxed this restriction. I have heard from countless oncologists across my home State about how during the COVID-19 pandemic era, those flexibilities improved access to care. H.R. 5526 would clarify that seniors can get drugs from physician- owned pharmacies through the mail or have someone pick up those medications on their behalf, making it easier for seniors to get the care that they need.…”