[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H4826-H4827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ADDRESSING OPIOID PROBLEM WITHIN MEDICARE

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, last week, the House passed a 
comprehensive opioid bill.
  I am pleased my Medicare part D drug management program was included 
in this legislation to help address the growing opioid problem within 
Medicare.
  This measure, which has the support of CMS and is recommended by the 
inspector general and GAO, would leverage a program successfully used 
in commercial insurance, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
  The growth in commonly prescribed opioids in part D increased by 56 
percent from 2006 to 2014. This part D drug management program will 
help address this growing opioid problem within the Medicare program 
while assuring those who need medications will have access to their 
prescriptions.

[[Page H4827]]

  I am proud we could get this done for our seniors and all who are 
struggling across the country.

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