II 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3496 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES August 2, 2012 Mr. Cochran (for himself and Mr. Wicker) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit direct payment to pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by the pharmacies for a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion pump.

1.

Medicare direct payment to pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by the pharmacies for a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion pump

(a)

In general

The first sentence of section 1842(b)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395u(b)(6)) is amended— (1)by striking and before (H); and (2)by inserting before the period at the end the following: , and (I) in the case of covered compounded drugs that are prepared by a pharmacy for a specific individual, are dispensed, directly or indirectly, to the individual, are necessary for the effective use of, or therapeutic benefit from, an implanted infusion pump (regardless who refills the pump), and are billed directly by the pharmacy, payment shall be made to the pharmacy. (b)

Effective date

The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to drugs dispensed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.