WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Preserving Innovation for the Next Generation (PING) Act of 2021 which will prevent the Biden administration from limiting patients from accessing innovative medication, treatment options, and health care under Medicare Part D.

“Operation Warp Speed demonstrated the lifesaving importance of innovation in medicine,” said Senator Blackburn. “As Tennesseans continue to battle diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, it is critical that patients have access to new medications being developed by brilliant scientists and doctors. Unfortunately, the Biden administration wishes to limit the private sector innovation that will one day make these illnesses curable and even preventable.”

BACKGROUND

The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit program (Medicare part D) has succeeded beyond expectations in providing affordable prescription drug coverage for more than 45 million seniors and individuals with disabilities. The competitive market has kept total Medicare part D costs below original estimates, while offering beneficiaries access to a broad range of prescription treatment options. Limiting patient access to medicines contradicts the foundational principles of Medicare part D and restricts access to innovative treatment options for those in need of care. The Preserving Innovation for the Next Generation (PING) Act would prevent the administration from going around Congress to repeal the non-interference clause by a waiver process at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.