April 28, 2021

Innovation-Stifling H.R. 3 Reintroduced H.R. 3, legislation previously passed by the U.S. House in late 2019, has been reintroduced by House Democratic Leaders including Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ). H.R. 3 would reduce Patient access and innovation while creating significant economic disruption and job loss in the life sciences ecosystem. Click here to read a copy of BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart’s statement on this legislation.

BioNJ’s Debbie Hart Op-ed: ICER, QALY the Wrong Way to Look at Drug Pricing As it appeared in the Star Ledger on April 20, 2021. BioNJ President and CEO warns in a recently published op-ed of the dangers of using metrics that disproportionately impact the disabled and may exacerbate health care disparities. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) uses the Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) metric as part of its treatment evaluations despite evidence that QALY can unfairly assess treatments impacting rare disease and other Patients. “At a time when treatment access for patients with chronic and complex conditions is more critical than ever to shield them from the threat of COVID-19, the adoption of QALY in state Medicaid programs and at the federal level would further exacerbate health disparities and lead to poor outcomes for communities of color.” Click here to read the op-ed.

State Legislative Update: Budget Process Continues Last week’s fiscal year 2022 budget hearings in the New Jersey Legislature featured an April 21 Assembly Budget hearing with the New Jersey Department of Health. New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli provided testimony on the ongoing COVID-19 response as well as the proposed Department fiscal year 2022 budget. Among other increases, the Department budget for fiscal year 2022 includes an additional $3 million in funding for HIV prevention and treatment. The Department of Health is slated to appear in the Senate Budget and Appropriations for budget testimony on May 11.

House Republican Leaders Introduce “Lower Costs, More Cures Act” U.S. House Republican Health committee leaders have introduced an alternative to H.R. 3 and other reference pricing proposals. The “Lower Cost, More Cures Act” was proposed by House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (D-WA) and House Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-NC). The legislation’s proposals to reduce the costs of prescription treatments include capping Patient out-of-pocket costs in the Medicare Part D program. Click here for more information on the Lower Costs, More Cures Act.

We Need Your Help: Support BioNJ Policy and Advocacy Efforts BioNJ is the voice of New Jersey’s life sciences sector in Trenton and Washington. BioNJ's Public Policy Support Series sponsorship opportunities are available for 2021. Sponsorship opportunities help make sure that our message is delivered in both Trenton and Washington, D.C. Help ensure BioNJ continues to deliver our message of improved Patient access and enhanced innovation through a Public Policy Support Series Sponsorship. Click here for more information.

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