Bill Text: NJ SCR175 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges Congress to pass H.R. 4392.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2018-01-05 - Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Human Services Committee [SCR175 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-SCR175-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 175
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
217th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED DECEMBER 18, 2017
Sponsored by:
Senator LORETTA WEINBERG
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Urges Congress to pass H.R. 4392.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Concurrent Resolution respectfully urging Congress to pass H.R. 4392, which preserves a federal drug discount program.
Whereas, H.R. 4392 would prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing its November 13, 2017 final rule that would eliminate $1.6 billion in Medicare payments annually for the federal 340B drug discount program; and
Whereas, Twenty New Jersey hospitals currently qualify for the 340B program, and cuts to the program will total $30 million annually in the State; and
Whereas, The CMS November 13, 2017 final rule and the resulting $30 million in annual cuts to New Jersey will jeopardize a vast array of services provided to the Garden State's most vulnerable patients, including medications for treatment of chronic conditions; outpatient infusion, including chemotherapy and dialysis; clinical programs, such as anticoagulation management and antibiotic stewardship; Family Health Centers; mobile health vans; and patient liaisons; and
Whereas, The curtailment of services under this final rule is particularly worrisome for low-income New Jerseyans diagnosed with cancer, as low-income residents rely on the life-saving infusion therapy services provided by New Jersey hospitals. Those services could be severely affected on January 1, 2018 if this rule takes effect without Congress interceding; and
Whereas, The 340B program allows hospitals to provide medications and supporting healthcare services for underserved individuals, making it an essential program for patients as well as providers; and
Whereas, The 340B program supports New Jersey's safety net providers, and has helped low-income and vulnerable individuals in New Jersey access affordable, comprehensive healthcare services for more than 25 years; and
Whereas, The 340B program helps New Jersey hospitals and health systems expand care to the community, increase the number of patients they serve, and offset losses in uncompensated care; and
Whereas, H.R. 4392 would provide that the provision of the Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs final regulation relating to changes in the payment amount for certain drugs and biologicals purchased under the 340B drug discount program shall have no force or effect; and
Whereas, New Jersey's hospitals and health systems remain dedicated to providing critical patient care and community services to promote positive health outcomes for New Jerseyans, and H.R. 4392 is vital to the continuation of these services; now, therefore,
Be It
Resolved by the Senate of the State of New
Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):
1. The Congress of the United States is urged to pass H.R. 4392, and protect essential healthcare services for some of New Jersey's most vulnerable residents.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the United States Congress elected from this State.
STATEMENT
This concurrent resolution urges Congress to pass H.R. 4392, which would prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from implementing its November 13, 2017 final rule that would eliminate $1.6 billion in Medicare payments annually for the federal 340B drug discount program. Twenty New Jersey hospitals currently qualify for the 340B program, and cuts to the program will total $30 million annually in the State. These cuts would jeopardize a vast array of services provided to the Garden State's most vulnerable patients, including medications for treatment of chronic conditions; outpatient infusion, including chemotherapy and dialysis; clinical programs, such as anticoagulation management and antibiotic stewardship; Family Health Centers; mobile health vans; and patient liaisons.
