PBM Transparency, Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in ACHP’s Year-End Priorities for Congress

September 20, 2024

ACHP recently sent a letter to Congress expressing the health care priorities it and its member companies hope to see enacted before this legislative session concludes.  

The letter prioritized support for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms, which would promote transparency and help combat high prescription drug costs. ACHP encourages the passage of the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act to implement this meaningful reform. 

ACHP appreciates previous efforts by Congress to expand access to virtual care and hopes to see this continue. Congress can build on its work in this area by passing the CONNECT for Health Act, the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act and the Telemental Health Care Access Act.  

Additionally, enhanced premium tax credits remain immensely beneficial after being extended in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. While these tax credits will not expire until the end of 2025, ACHP wants to ensure that this affordable coverage continues uninterrupted and has asked Congress to extend the enhanced tax credits now. 

As part of our MA for Tomorrow initiative, ACHP aims to address the misaligned incentives of the current MA risk adjustment model. We were heartened to see the Senate Appropriation Committee acknowledge an interest in tiered coding intensity adjustments and encourage Congress to pursue this in legislation. 

Finally, ACHP expressed support for the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act, which would curb anti-competitive practices – like patent thickets – that keep prescription drug prices high, while preventing the market entry of generic drugs.  

ACHP is grateful for Congress’ consideration as we work to promote high-quality and affordable care.