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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement after Dr. Mehmet Oz was confirmed by the Senate to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “CMS plays an integral role in ensuring Americans can access health care, particularly for seniors, pregnant women, children, and individuals with disabilities,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter . “Dr. Oz is an accomplished physician, an innovator, and a world-class communicator, who will help modernize the agency by utilizing new cutting-edge technology that empowers health care providers to better serve the American people. We look forward to partnering with him to improve health outcomes for Americans.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing titled Examining the FDA’s Regulation of Over-the-Counter Monograph Drugs .  “Over-the-counter (OTC) medications help Americans live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives. This hearing was critical to understanding the vital role that safe, reliable, and affordable OTC medications play in our nation’s overall health,” said Chairman Carter. “I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program so that we can continue to support FDA’s work to bring pharmaceutical manufacturing back to America and increase patient access to OTC medications.”   Watch the full hearing here .  Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing : Congressman John Joyce (PA-13): “The United States is home to world leading medical innovation. In fact, I often talk about innovation being the cornerstone of American medicine, being the cornerstone of how I practice medicine. Unfortunately, the FDA’s inaction has prevented this innovation, allowing the rest of the world to access new active sunscreen ingredients that are unavailable to Americans. Can you expand upon some of the barriers that are hindering the great innovation by not utilizing the information that our friends and allies have access to?” Mr. D’Ruiz: “People don’t die from using sunscreen. They die from not using sunscreen, number one. And I think there is a large body of evidence worldwide indicating that the news of young sunscreen filters, which have been developed over the last 10 years, are much more efficient – you use less, there is less exposure, and they are much more effective in reducing the harmful effects of both UVA and B. And three, they are more sustainable in terms of environmental impact.” Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-13): “You have companies that are already doing things the right way. We don’t want to punish them by putting additional burdens on them to try to capture those companies that are not in compliance. How can we handle that?” Mr. Menzel: “I think that it’s an incredibly important point that we don’t need more regulation as it relates to this, so there needs to be predictability. The OMUFA program allows predictability. The monograph program allows predictability, allows for innovation, allows for speed.”   Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “The Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program (OMUFA) at the Food and Drug Administration has produced more than 100,000 safe and effective over-the-counter drugs, giving consumers access to manage their own care in a safe and affordable manner. The OMUFA program has also reduced the number of visits consumers need to make to a doctor to obtain a prescription for a simple treatment, reducing the burden on our health care systems. The OMUFA program has also increased access and choice for consumers. Could you provide examples of how this is beneficial to the public within the United States?” Mr. Menzel: “Yeah , absolutely, I think, in terms of the benefit to the US consumer, one of the items that I think continually needs to be reinforced is for every $1 spent in this space on over-the-counter medicines, it saves the United States health care system $7 in terms of doctor visit cost savings. Pharmaceutical alternatives to pharmaceutical cost savings, the other thing that system does is it allows for a shrinking of these healthcare deserts, where access would be limited, not just in rural areas, but also urban areas that are limited by access to health care.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement regarding Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy’s restructuring announcement in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.” “For decades, HHS and its sub-agencies have grown significantly, creating redundancies and—in some cases—conflicting objectives. It is critical that the department is in a position to accomplish its core and essential mission to support all Americans,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter . “We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to protect patients, support innovations, and improve the health and wellbeing of the American people.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after Dr. Marty Makary, MD, MPH was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  “Americans—and, in many cases, the world—depend on the FDA’s gold standard of determining the safety and effectiveness of medicines and medical products for patients,”  said Chairman Guthrie.  “I’m confident that Dr. Makary’s medical and research experience, coupled with his thoughtfulness, will help strengthen the FDA. I congratulate him on his confirmation and look forward to working together to better serve the American people.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  “As our country faces challenges defined by chronic disease, coupled with an ongoing illicit drug crisis, Americans deserve biomedical research—backed by reliable, transparent data—that works to treat and prevent illness,”   said Chairman Guthrie.   “The NIH has historically played a vital role in developing cutting edge treatments. However, after years of resisting accountability to Congress and the American people, the agency is due for a fresh start. Dr. Bhattacharya is the right man for the job, and I look forward to working together to rebuild Americans’ trust in this important research agency so it can help Americans regain and maintain their health.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Examining the FDA’s Regulation of Over-the-Counter Monograph Drugs .  “From providing relief to headaches, to alleviating symptoms of the common cold, over-the-counter drugs play an important part in helping Americans live healthier lives,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter. “This hearing will give Members an opportunity to hear from experts and stakeholders and how the FDA’s Over-The-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program is working and what challenges may persist.”   Subcommittee on Health hearing titled Examining the FDA’s Regulation of Over-the-Counter Monograph Drugs   WHAT : Subcommittee on Health hearing to discuss how the Food and Drug Administration regulates over-the-counter drugs.   DATE : Tuesday, April 1, 2025   TIME : 10:15 AM ET   LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building   This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Emma Schultheis with the Committee staff at Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Matthew VanHyfte at Matthew.VanHyfte@mail.house.gov . ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, led a hearing yesterday titled An Examination of How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients . “Patients are counting on us to stop the abusive practices that drive up out-of-pocket costs on their prescription drugs,” said Chairman Carter. “This Committee has worked to identify bipartisan solutions that will meaningfully help patients access their medications. Yesterday’s hearing gave us a chance to further hear from medical professionals and policy experts on why reining in PBMs and increasing transparency in the system will improve our health care system for all Americans.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from yesterday’s hearing: Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) : “I say this in every PBM hearing, and I'm going to say it again today. PBMs don't treat a single patient. They don't cure a single disease, and they don't insure a single American. So, the bottom line is: it's all about the patients, isn't it, gentlemen? It certainly is and how they're losing access to pharmacy choice. It’s those pharmacies who, in most communities, are your independent pharmacies which are the most trusted and the most readily available healthcare provider in that community. So, PBM reform is a bipartisan issue, and you know what that means? That means that both sides agree on this issue. It's not an issue of contention. It's important that we get some PBM reform done.” Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) : “It's no secret that PBM middlemen artificially inflate the cost of and limit access to prescription drugs. This occurs at the expense of patients who receive health insurance in public and private markets and impacts patients of all ages. PBMs claim they reduce prices by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable. This is done, they contend, by requiring rebates on drugs, which are then passed on to the beneficiary. While PBMs often do negotiate discounts for manufacturers, patients are not the ones who benefit from them. In Medicare Part D, for example, patient cost sharing is based off the list price of drugs, which are artificially inflated to extract a higher rebate. As a result, of these practices for 79 of the 100 most rebated drugs in Medicare Part D, beneficiaries pay more for their drug than their insurer. Again, demonstrating that beneficiaries, in this case, seniors are not benefiting from the rebates.” Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12) : “As a result of PBM's indecent practices, independent pharmacies around the country are closing. I know that in my district we are not strangers to this issue. I hear from my friends, family, and constituents alike that their trusted pharmacies have closed after decades of serving their communities. Pharmacy deserts have continued to grow and patients no longer have access to patient pharmacist relationships that has helped them manage complex medication regimes and diseases. It's estimated that between 2018 and 2021 alone, the number of pharmacies has declined in 41 states. So, this is not just an Ohio problem. This is not a rural problem. This is a countrywide issue that needs addressed.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  An Examination of How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients. Subcommittee Chairman Carter's opening statement as prepared for delivery: “I want to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on how reigning in Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, will drive competition and lower costs for patients. “Before I dive into the policy, I want to take a moment to address the true reason why we’re having this hearing today – patients. Patients, like a fellow Georgian, Mattie McCoy. Mattie, a sixteen-year-old Georgia resident, suffers from a rare genetic disorder. “CVS Caremark denied Mattie’s access to a lifesaving drug that he had been on for two years. As a result, Mattie was forced back into the hospital.  “Let me be clear: PBMs’ greed sent a 16-year-old back to the hospital, in critical condition. While tragic, this story is far from unique.  “So, how did we get here?   “PBMs are the pharmaceutical supply chain’s hidden middlemen that are driving up costs for prescription medications, delaying access to necessary treatments, adding hoops for patients to jump through, and robbing hope from patients. They have only created perverse incentives throughout the drug supply chain.  “Their extensive market control has only grown due to consolidation and vertical integration leading to less competition and decreased patient choice.  “After nearly two decades of consolidation, the PBM industry is now dominated by three companies that control over 80% of the market. They own or are owned by insurers and have vertically and horizontally consolidated their businesses to own doctors, pharmacies, group purchasing organizations, and more. “We have heard directly from our constituents that the harmful and anticompetitive tactics of some PBMs have only gotten worse, and that Congressional action is desperately needed.  “We’ve heard a constant stream of reports that some PBMs are reimbursing independent pharmacies less than the pharmacies they own. “For example, a Mississippi audit revealed that Optum pays its own stores up to 22 times what it pays independent pharmacies for the same drug.  “How are you supposed to stay in business when your competitor makes 2,200% more than you for the same exact service?  “The answer is you don’t. In 2023, there were over 300 independent pharmacy net closures – almost one per day. Unfortunately, that trend continued in 2024. Pharmacists are some of the most accessible and highly trusted health care professionals. Yet, PBMs are putting pharmacies out of business and removing patients’ access to care. We now have “pharmacy deserts” in rural and underserved communities. That’s affecting the accessibility, affordability, and quality of health care for all Americans.  “Recently, the Federal Trade Commission released its second interim report which found that “PBMs charge significant markups for cancer, HIV, and other critical specialty generic drugs” by thousands of percent, and many others by hundreds of percent.  “Another egregious example of PBMs’ abuse of taxpayer-funded programs is the United States Postal Service health plan. In an audit released in March 2024, the Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management found that Express Scripts overcharged the American Postal Workers Union Health Plan and the federal government nearly $45 million.  “Thankfully, President Trump is committed to holding PBMs accountable. I commend him and look forward to working with this administration to drive solutions that lower costs for patients at the drug counter.  “The House Energy and Commerce Committee has made commonsense PBM reform policies a bipartisan priority.  “Last Congress, this Committee advanced bipartisan legislation that saves significant taxpayer dollars in state Medicaid managed care programs and – for the first time in Medicare Part D – enforces reasonable and relevant contract terms that support pharmacies’ ability to serve patients in addition to delinking PBM compensation from list price. Further, this Committee championed reporting requirements which would increase transparency by shining a light on the opaque drug pricing system that is driving up drug spending for patients and employers, in addition to harming pharmacists.  “Americans deserve and expect protection from inflated prescription drug costs, forced pharmacy closures, and barriers to health care access. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact these meaningful PBM reforms for patients, like Mattie, who are suffering at the expense of PBM's abusive tactics.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled  An Examination of  How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients . “As outlined in recent reports, significant consolidation in the PBM marketplace has led to fewer options for patients and employers and less competition to keep out-of-pocket drug costs in check,”  said Chairmen Guthrie and Carter.   “Over the past few years, this Subcommittee has led on a myriad of legislative solutions which will help guide our continued work toward delivering high quality heath care for the American people.” Subcommittee on Health hearing titled  An Examination of How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients . WHAT: Subcommittee on Health hearing to examine PBM reform policies.  DATE:  Wednesday, February 26, 2025  TIME: 10:00 AM ET  LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chairmen. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at  energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning the hearing, please contact Emma Schultheis with the Committee staff at  Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov .  ###