Did you know?
At our recent Senior Advocates Coalition, we learned that there are "gag clauses" that stop pharmacists from telling customers that they could pay less for their prescription if they pay out of pocket.
The Senate recently unanimously passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), the
Know the Lowest Price Act (S. 2553). This bill cracks down on the gag clauses.
The bill had numerous bi-partisan co-sponsors. The
Know the Lowest Price Act prohibits Medicare Part D Plans from restricting a pharmacy's ability to provide drug price information when there is a difference between the cost of the drug under the plan and the cost of the drug when purchased without insurance.
The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives. In the meantime, Senate staffers recommend asking a pharmacist if there is a lower price. They are allowed to answer, if asked the question directly.
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