The SWIFT VOTE Act aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries who need prescription drugs. It would limit the amount they have to pay for drugs to the average net price or the cash price, whichever is lower, during the coverage gap phase of their drug plan.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The SWIFT VOTE Act aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries who need prescription drugs. It would limit the amount they have to pay for drugs to the average net price or the cash price, whichever is lower, during the coverage gap phase of their drug plan.
Last updated: 12/30/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p>This bill limits cost-sharing for covered drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage.</p><p>Specifically, for costs above the deductible but below the annual out-of-pocket threshold, the bill limits cost-sharing to the average net price of the drug (i.e., the average amount paid less any rebates) or the cash price (i.e., the price charged to an individual without insurance), whichever is lower. </p><p>The Government Accountability Office must report on the bill's implementation.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Limits cost-sharing for Medicare prescription drugs to the lower of the average net price or the cash price
Applies this limit to the coverage gap (or 'donut hole') phase of the Medicare drug benefit
Requires a report from the Government Accountability Office on the implementation of the bill
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would directly benefit millions of Medicare beneficiaries who rely on prescription drugs, by reducing their out-of-pocket costs during the coverage gap phase. It could make important medications more affordable for seniors and people with disabilities on fixed incomes.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Medicare
Prescription drugs
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
4881, 119th Congress (2025). "SWIFT VOTE Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4881
