Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan's legislation to ensure coverage of drugs and treatments for seniors with Alzheimer's disease has cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee, signaling a step closer to becoming law. The bill, known as the MERIT Act (H.R. 133), has garnered support from various organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association and the Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute.

Last month, the legislation successfully passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. Additionally, the Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed another bill introduced by Buchanan, the Supporting Innovation for Seniors Act (H.R. 5388), which aims to expand flexibility for Medicare Advantage plans to cover innovative products.

The impetus behind this legislation stems from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) restricting coverage for the first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, Aduhelm, despite prior approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Congressman Buchanan expresses concern over the government's actions, stating, "The federal government should make it easier for seniors to access breakthrough treatments, not unreasonably restrict potentially life-changing drugs for our nation’s most vulnerable patients."

Robert Egge, Chief Public Policy Officer of the Alzheimer's Association, commends Buchanan's leadership on the issue and highlights the importance of evaluating treatments individually based on their own merits. Egge states, "As new treatments are approved, the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia cannot afford delays."

The MERIT Act seeks to address the restrictions imposed by CMS by requiring a review of each drug individually. By doing so, the legislation aims to ensure fair and accurate consideration for coverage of drugs like Aduhelm for Medicare beneficiaries.

Congressman Buchanan has been a vocal advocate for Alzheimer's patients, hosting a press conference earlier this year to call for action in providing access to FDA-approved treatments. With 30 legislative measures signed into law since taking office, Buchanan's efforts have received bipartisan support and endorsement from various organizations.

As the legislation moves closer to consideration by the full House, Buchanan remains committed to his goal of facilitating access to breakthrough treatments for seniors with Alzheimer's disease.

Click this link to access more information: https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/buchanan-alzheimer-s-bill-cleared-for-house-consideration