The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) seeks to improve price transparency, hold pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable, and invest in key healthcare programs that support patients and their communities.

H.R. 5378 includes provisions that are critical for patients managing chronic diseases, including:

• Hospital and Insurance Price Transparency: Helps patients understand the cost of care by making hospital and insurance pricing publicly available. Establishes rules that require hospitals to disclose the prices they charge for all services – including tests, treatments, and procedures. It also requires insurance companies to reveal the negotiated prices they have agreed to pay for services with in-network doctors and hospitals. 
• Affordability and PBM Accountability: Reduces the cost of prescription drugs by increasing PBM accountability and ensuring fair Medicaid payments to pharmacies. Mandates Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) to report drug pricing practices to health plans, including rebate data, out-of-pocket costs, and total spending.
• Investments in Key Health Programs: Increases funding for Community Health Centers (CHCs), the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education program (THCGME), ensuring better access to healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities.
• Funding for Special Diabetes Program: Increases funding for research and care through the Special Diabetes Program and the Special Diabetes Program for Native Americans.
• Access to Care: Increases funding for critical health programs that provide services to rural and underserved areas, ensuring more patients can access doctors, hospitals, and treatment. For example, the bill eliminates cuts for high-need hospitals that care for Medicaid and uninsured patients.
• Lowering Drug Costs: Prohibits PBMs from using "spread pricing" in Medicaid and enhances generic drug competition, helping reduce drug prices and increase access for patients.

H.R. 5378 is supported by a broad variety of consumer advocacy organizations, employer groups, and patient coalitions.

The Chronic Disease Coalition supports H.R. 5378, and we urge you to as well. This bill takes meaningful steps to make healthcare more affordable, transparent, and accessible for the millions of Americans managing chronic conditions.

What You Can Do:

1. Email Your Legislators: Urge them to support H.R. 5378 and advocate for healthcare transparency and affordability.
2. Spread the Word: Share this message with your community, friends, and family to raise awareness of the importance of this bill.

Together, we can make healthcare easier to navigate and more affordable for everyone.