Diabetic Testing Supply Access Act of 2013

Bill: 113-hr-2845
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]
Introduced: 2013-07-26
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Digestive and metabolic diseases

Health technology, devices, supplies

Medicare

Retail and wholesale trades
Latest action: action_date: 2013-08-02
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summaries:
action_date: 2013-07-26
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>Diabetic Testing Supply Access Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to deny the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) authority to restrict or eliminate a Medicare beneficiary's option of electing, regardless of delivery method (except by mail), to have diabetic testing supplies delivered to him or her by retail community pharmacies, including one that contracts with a long-term care facility, assisted living facility, group home, or other type of residential setting recognized by the state.</p>

tv_txt: I 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2845 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 26, 2013 Mr. Welch introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce , and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow retail community pharmacies to deliver diabetic testing supplies to Medicare beneficiaries.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Diabetic Testing Supply Access Act of 2013 . 2. Authority for retail community pharmacies to deliver diabetic testing supplies to Medicare beneficiaries (a) In general Section 1847(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–3(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary (through regulation, guidance, instruction, or otherwise) to restrict or eliminate an individual’s option of electing, regardless of delivery method (except by mail), to have diabetic testing supplies delivered to the individual by a retail community pharmacy (as defined in section 1927(k)(10)), including a retail community pharmacy that contracts with a long-term care facility, assisted living facility, group home, or other type of residential setting recognized by the State. This paragraph shall not be construed as changing the amount of payment made under this part for diabetic testing supplies, but only as authorizing delivery of such supplies to individuals through retail community pharmacies. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to diabetic testing supplies delivered on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.