Bill · H.R. 8143· House(119-HR-8143)
Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act of 2026.
- Introduced
- 3/27/2026
- Last activity
- 3/27/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Doris Matsui
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act of 2026" amends the Social Security Act regarding Medicare part D prescription drug plans. Starting January 1, 2027, it requires plan sponsors using a formulary to place certain generic drugs and at least two biosimilar biological products in a preferred position if their wholesale acquisition cost is lower than the reference product. It also prohibits plan sponsors from placing more restrictive access limits on these lower-cost options than those placed on the reference drugs.
Yes· 3 of 17
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+9
Directly targets Medicare Part D enrollees by reducing their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.
Would retired people be better off under this?+9
Directly benefits retirees who utilize Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage.
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?+8
Directly mandates the preferred placement of lower-cost generics and biosimilars to reduce patient out-of-pocket costs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: By requiring generic drugs and biosimilar biological products with lower wholesale acquisition costs to be in a "preferred position," patients would have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to reference drugs (Section 2, subparagraph (J)(i) and (iii)(III)).
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Increased Access to Lower-Cost Options: The bill prevents plan sponsors from using restrictive techniques like step therapy or prior authorization on these generic and biosimilar products if those limits are more restrictive than those for the reference drug (Section 2, subparagraph (J)(ii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for people are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+9Good For Seniors+9Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Veterans+3Good For White Americans+3Good For High Income Households+2
- Healthcare
- Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+8Improves Healthcare Access+6
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 3/27/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts
Mariannette Miller-MeeksRepublican · Iowa