Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan's legislation to increase access to potentially life-saving drugs and new treatments for seniors with Alzheimer's disease has passed the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. The bill, known as the MERIT Act (H.R. 133), aims to ensure that coverage for breakthrough treatments for Alzheimer's is not unreasonably restricted.

Last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) imposed restrictions on the coverage of the first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in nearly two decades, despite prior approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Congressman Buchanan expressed his concerns about these restrictions, stating that the federal government should make it easier for seniors to access breakthrough treatments rather than hinder their access.

The MERIT Act, co-introduced by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, has received endorsements from various organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association and the Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute. Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer, praised Buchanan's leadership on the issue and emphasized the importance of evaluating treatments individually based on their own merits.

By requiring CMS to review each drug individually, the MERIT Act aims to undo the previous restrictions imposed by CMS and ensure fair and accurate consideration for coverage. The bill will also prevent unnecessary delays in accessing drugs like Aduhelm for Medicare beneficiaries.

Congressman Buchanan has been a vocal advocate for increased access to Alzheimer's treatments. Earlier this year, he hosted a press conference with key stakeholders calling for action to help Americans suffering from Alzheimer's to access FDA-approved treatments.

In addition to the MERIT Act, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee also passed the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388), another bill that Congressman Buchanan helped introduce. This legislation aims to expand flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products beyond what traditional Medicare offers.

As the chairman of the Health Subcommittee and the vice chairman of the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Buchanan holds significant influence over healthcare policies, including those related to Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

With the passage of the MERIT Act in the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Congressman Buchanan's efforts to increase access to Alzheimer's drugs have achieved an important milestone. The bill now moves one step closer to becoming law, bringing hope to millions of Americans living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Source: [Buchanan House website](https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/11/buchanan-bill-to-increase-access-to-alzheimer-s-drugs-passes-key-committee)

To learn more, click on this link: https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/11/buchanan-bill-to-increase-access-to-alzheimer-s-drugs-passes-key-committee