Contact Congress about S. 1836: SMART Prices Act

Starting in 2028, Medicare could bargain over 50 drug prices a year instead of 15. More newer drugs could be included, and many price caps would be lower.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

SMART Prices Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Latest action on S. 1836: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people on Medicare, drug companies, Medicare drug plans, and the federal government. People on Medicare could see changes if lower prices affect premiums or out-of-pocket costs. Drug makers could face earlier and larger discounts on more products. Medicare and drug plans would have to handle a much bigger negotiation process starting in 2028.

Why this matters: Drug costs can strain people on Medicare and the federal budget. This bill would let Medicare press for lower prices on more drugs and do it sooner. That could save money for the government and possibly for some patients. It could also change drug company revenue and choices about pricing or research, though the exact effects are uncertain.

Key provisions in S. 1836

• Starting in 2028, Medicare could target 50 drugs a year for price talks instead of 15. That means many more drugs could get negotiated prices.
• One group of drugs could qualify after 3 years on the market instead of 7. The bill applies this to single-source drugs, meaning drugs without a competing generic or similar product.
• The other listed group of drugs could also qualify after 3 years instead of 11. This would make the same 3-year rule apply to both groups.
• Medicare's highest allowed negotiated price would change based on how long a drug has been sold. Some caps would fall from 65% to 55% and from 40% to 30% of the benchmark price.
• The changes would start with prices that first apply in 2028. They would use Medicare's current drug price negotiation system.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1836

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 1836

What is S. 1836?

Starting in 2028, Medicare could bargain over 50 drug prices a year instead of 15. More newer drugs could be included, and many price caps would be lower.

How do I support or oppose S. 1836?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 1836?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 1836 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.