Rosen, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Patients’ Access to Preferred Doctor, Lower Drug Costs

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a bill to protect patients' access to their preferred doctors and lower out-of-pocket drug costs. The bipartisan Protecting Patient Access Act would allow patients to change insurance plans mid-year if their doctor or other medical provider is no longer in-network, or if their out-of-pocket drug cost increases during the year. This would apply to Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage, and individual market plans for patients of all ages.

"Under the current system, Nevadans can be caught off-guard by mid-year increases to prescription drug prices and changes to their in-network doctors. It's just common sense to allow patients to change their medical insurance to continue seeing the doctors they trust and protect them from getting priced out from the life-saving medicine they need," said Senator Rosen. "It is crucial that Nevadans have access to the best and most affordable health care options available, which is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill. I promise to continue working across the aisle to ensure that everyone has access to the life-saving care that they need."

"When a Part D plan makes significant changes between enrollment periods, seniors shouldn't be forced to live with a plan they didn't choose for the rest of the year," said Senator Curtis. "By opening enrollment following a significant plan change, our commonsense, bipartisan legislation ensures American seniors are insulated from uncertainty and receive the care they need and have paid for."

"The American Academy of Family Physicians strongly supports the Preserving Patient Access Act, which will help patients prioritize their health and ensure relationships are maintained with trusted physicians and that access to necessary medications go uninterrupted," said Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "This legislation will allow patients relying on Medicare to change plans when a physician moves out of network or when drug coverage changes and becomes unaffordable. It will also protect continuity of care, strengthen the patient-physician relationship and help Medicare patients stay on track with the care and treatments needed to be well and stay healthy."

"Nevada's community health centers stand on the front lines of healthcare, providing access and support to our state's most vulnerable. We know from experience that our patients are most productive and healthy when they can have a consistent healthcare experience, with providers they know and trust, and when costs are manageable and affordable," said Walter B. Davis, CEO of Nevada Health Centers. "I support the tenets of the Preserving Patient Access Act, as it would help provide additional flexibility to those who, through no fault of their own, experience a shift in healthcare coverage that potentially increases costs and limits access. By allowing a special enrollment period for those impacted by provider changes or drug costs, we give those most in need of support more options in how they manage and control their healthcare options and expenses."

Senator Rosen has been fighting for cheaper and more accessible health care for Nevadans. Senator Rosen helped secure lower prescription drug prices for seniors through the Inflation Reduction Act. She also introduced the bipartisan Share the Savings with Seniors Act, which would lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors with chronic health conditions. In January, she also voted to overturn a Trump Administration rule that will make it harder and more expensive for Americans to enroll in health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

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