Hassan, Mullin, Sinema, Scott Lead Bill to Help Provide Life-Saving Treatments and Cures for Patients

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Tim Scott (R-SC) will introduce the Medicaid VBPs for Patients (MVP) Act to help provide life-saving treatments and cures for rare disease patients. This bill would enable state Medicaid programs to voluntarily enter value-based purchasing (VBP) arrangements with drug manufacturers, which would give states much-needed flexibility and increase patient access to innovative drugs such as gene therapies.

U.S. Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced the companion bill in the House that has passed the Energy and Commerce Committee.

"Everyone should have access to the health care that they need in order to thrive," said Sen. Hassan. "I am glad to help introduce this bipartisan legislation to expand access so that more patients with Medicaid across the country can afford treatment for rare diseases."

"Value-based purchasing better aligns our health care system towards patient care," said Sen. Mullin. "Traditional payment methods like price setting and fee-for-service compensation limit innovation and competition, making many treatments out of reach. By linking the cost of treatments to patient outcomes, VBP arrangements give rare disease patients access to life-saving care options without leaving them or the health care system financially liable for ineffective treatments. I will continue to champion the benefits of value-based care, and I appreciate Sens. Sinema, Scott, and Hassan for joining me in this effort."

"Arizona patients deserve access to breakthrough treatments and potential cures for serious or rare diseases. Our new bill ensures Arizona families can get quality, affordable care when they need it and that state Medicaid programs are investing in care that is proven to improve clinical outcomes and patients' quality of life," said Sen. Sinema.

"Shifting to value-based payment arrangements will create more hope and opportunity for folks to access cell and gene therapies that fight some of the most devastating diseases and disorders," said Sen. Scott. "I am glad to join Senator Mullin and Congressman Guthrie in their efforts to modernize the Medicaid system while alleviating stress for patients seeking medical services during difficult times.

This legislation is supported by the Institute for Gene Therapies, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy, the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

Background:

• Value-based purchasing (VBP) arrangements are payment models that reimburse for the value that results from the medical treatment, such as health outcomes or quality achieved in relation to the cost of care.
• Then-Congressman Mullin co-led the introduction of the MVP Act in the 117^th Congress while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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