PLASMA Act

The PLASMA Act would modify how Medicare's prescription drug benefit handles pricing for plasma-derived products, which are medications made from blood plasma. Currently, drug manufacturers must provide a 10% discount on these products during the initial coverage phase and a 20% discount during the catastrophic coverage phase. This bill would phase in lower discounts over several years, starting at just 1% in 2026 and gradually increasing to the full 10% and 20% discounts by 2030 and 2032 respectively.

If enacted, this bill could affect Medicare beneficiaries who rely on plasma-derived medications by potentially keeping their out-of-pocket costs higher during the transition period. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Supporters may argue this approach helps ensure continued availability of these specialty medicines, while critics might contend it reduces savings for patients and increases healthcare costs.