Sens. Scott, Mullin Introduce Legislation to Modernize the Medicaid Payment System

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) in introducing 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.

Sens. Scott and Mullins were joined in leading the bill by their colleagues Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Maggie Hassan (D- N.H.). U.S. Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which has been approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee.

“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 Senator 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.”

“Value-based purchasing better aligns our health care system towards patient care,” said Senator 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 financially liable for ineffective treatments. I will continue to champion the benefits of value-based care, and I appreciate Sen. Sinema 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 Senator Sinema. 

“Everyone should have access to the health care that they need in order to thrive,” said Senator 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.”

BACKGROUND

Senator Scott has consistently led on gene therapies as seen through:

• Leading a letter expressing concerns on the Food and Drug Administration’s Advanced Manufacturing Technologies draft guidance;
• Celebrating the FDA’s decision to approve two gene therapies for sickle cell disease;
• Questioning FDA Administrator Califf on the future of CRISPR technology in finding a cure for sickle cell disease; and
• Serving as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Personalized Medicine Caucus, which aims to raise awareness for this cutting edge approach to healthcare.