Reps. Johnson, Stark request Medicare changes

Representatives Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) and Pete Stark (D-Calif.) Tuesday called for changes in the Medicare program that would streamline the listing of new products for reimbursement and extend coverage to self-administered drugs and biologics. Johnson, chairperson of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee and Stark (D-Calif.), ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, said the reforms they recommend could be implemented administratively, and they requested Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson do so rapidly. ...