Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act of 2026.

This bill changes the rules for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans that use a list of covered drugs, called a formulary. Starting with plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, these plans would have to place each covered generic drug that has a lower list price than its brand-name version in a preferred position on the formulary. Plans would also have to place at least two lower-priced biosimilar biological products in a preferred position compared to the original biological product. A preferred position means a more favorable formulary tier and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients. Plans could not use tools such as prior authorization or step therapy to limit access to these generics and biosimilars more than they limit access to the original drugs.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Doris O. Matsui Democrat sponsor
• 2 cosponsors