The Patient Access Act of 2024 modifies federal anti-kickback laws to allow drug manufacturers to pay for transportation, lodging, meals, and other travel expenses for patients and up to two caregivers who need to travel to receive prescribed medications, starting January 1, 2025. The assistance is limited to patients with income at or below the median for their region who live more than 50 miles or one hour's drive from the nearest facility administering their drug, and manufacturers cannot advertise the benefit or bill these costs to federal health programs. The legislation requires manufacturers to offer the arrangement equally regardless of which facility administers the drug or the patient's insurance status, and includes safeguards such as setting meal reimbursements at federal per diem rates and prohibiting assistance if patients can already receive these services free from the treatment facility. Within three years, the Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on how these arrangements affect patient access to medications, particularly for rare disease treatments, and whether they reduce disparities in care.
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