House Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill on Medicare to Boost Biosimilars Access

Two members of the House of Representatives, Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio), have reintroduced a bill that would require Medicare plans to offer greater access to biosimilars.

The legislation aims to create a mechanism in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Star Ratings Program to assess prescription drug plans based on their ability to provide positive health management and patient outcomes.

“Biosimilars are a safe, effective and cost-saving option,” Tonko said, adding that “unjust, profitable dynamics in America’s healthcare system are blocking access to these alternatives, forcing patients to pay a far higher price for substantially similar medical care.”