Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the adequacy of access to abuse-deterrent opioid formulations for individuals with chronic pain enrolled in Medicare Advantage or part D. {time} 1715 While I am hesitant about the true impact abuse-deterrent formulations can have in addressing this crisis, especially given that these formulations can still lead to opioid dependance and misuse, I also recognize that we must be utilizing every tool available to combat this epidemic. I am especially glad that this bill includes language to address the price of abuse-deterrent formulations as well. It is critical, when evaluating the adequacy of access, to also study the price of such drug formulations, as cost is a critical component of access. Mr. Speaker, I support the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.”