Senate Discusses Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Medicare Challenges with HHS Secretary
September 04, 2025 | Finance: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The US Senate Committee on Finance convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss key components of President Biden's 2026 Health Care Agenda, focusing on pressing issues such as Medicare Advantage Plans, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and the regulation of mifepristone.
During the meeting, committee members expressed concerns regarding delays in payments from Medicare Advantage Plans to hospitals, particularly affecting rural healthcare facilities. Senators emphasized the need for swift action to address these payment issues, highlighting the importance of timely reimbursements for the sustainability of rural hospitals.
Another significant topic was the role of pharmacy benefit managers in the healthcare system. Senators raised the issue of transparency and fairness in PBM operations, noting that many senators had previously voiced concerns during the confirmation process of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The Secretary assured the committee that discussions with PBMs are ongoing, with a focus on enhancing transparency and reducing costs for consumers. He mentioned that the administration is also engaged in negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to eliminate middlemen in drug pricing.
The meeting also touched on the safety review of mifepristone, a medication used for elective abortions. Senators questioned the timeline for this review, particularly in light of changes made during the Biden administration that expanded access to the drug. Secretary Becerra indicated that the review is progressing, with ongoing data collection to ensure safety protocols are followed.
Additionally, the committee discussed Title X regulations concerning family planning programs and their separation from abortion services. Senators sought clarity on the timeline for reviewing these regulations, which were altered from the previous administration's rules. The Secretary noted that organizations failing to comply with the separation requirements are not receiving funding.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the administration's commitment to addressing critical healthcare issues, including payment delays, transparency in drug pricing, and the regulation of reproductive health services. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by rural hospitals and the need for effective policy solutions to support equitable healthcare access across the country.
During the meeting, committee members expressed concerns regarding delays in payments from Medicare Advantage Plans to hospitals, particularly affecting rural healthcare facilities. Senators emphasized the need for swift action to address these payment issues, highlighting the importance of timely reimbursements for the sustainability of rural hospitals.
Another significant topic was the role of pharmacy benefit managers in the healthcare system. Senators raised the issue of transparency and fairness in PBM operations, noting that many senators had previously voiced concerns during the confirmation process of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The Secretary assured the committee that discussions with PBMs are ongoing, with a focus on enhancing transparency and reducing costs for consumers. He mentioned that the administration is also engaged in negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to eliminate middlemen in drug pricing.
The meeting also touched on the safety review of mifepristone, a medication used for elective abortions. Senators questioned the timeline for this review, particularly in light of changes made during the Biden administration that expanded access to the drug. Secretary Becerra indicated that the review is progressing, with ongoing data collection to ensure safety protocols are followed.
Additionally, the committee discussed Title X regulations concerning family planning programs and their separation from abortion services. Senators sought clarity on the timeline for reviewing these regulations, which were altered from the previous administration's rules. The Secretary noted that organizations failing to comply with the separation requirements are not receiving funding.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the administration's commitment to addressing critical healthcare issues, including payment delays, transparency in drug pricing, and the regulation of reproductive health services. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by rural hospitals and the need for effective policy solutions to support equitable healthcare access across the country.
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