This bill makes it easier for seniors on Medicare to get certain medications directly from their doctors' offices. Right now, there's a rule that prevents doctors from referring patients to services they have a financial stake in—it's meant to stop unnecessary treatments. However, this bill creates an exception for drugs and the supplies needed to give those drugs (like needles or IV equipment). It says doctors can now provide these medications in their offices without having to follow certain paperwork requirements that were previously mandatory. The bill also tells the government to delete old guidance documents from 2021 and 2023 that had been blocking this practice, essentially clearing the way for doctors to dispense drugs directly to their Medicare patients more easily. The practical effect is that seniors may be able to get their medications right in their doctor's office during a visit, rather than having to go to a pharmacy, which could be more convenient for people who need frequent injections or infusions.

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2024

Harshbarger, Diana

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023This bill allows physicians to dispense outpatient prescription drugs and related supplies to patients outside of their office buildings without violating certain prohibitions under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law) for Medicare and Medicaid.Current law requires physicians to dispense outpatient prescription drugs and related supplies to patients in their office buildings in order to qualify for an exception (the in-office ancillary services exception) under the Stark law. The bill specifies that, beginning on May 11, 2023, physicians may dispense outpatient prescription drugs and related supplies in locations other than their office buildings.The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services to withdraw specified guidance that contradicts the bill’s changes.