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HR 1142

In memory of Jared Dale Hunt of Corpus Christi.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Todd Hunter

Requires HHS to set drug-adherence guidelines aiming for 90% adherence for all Medicare Part B and Part D drugs, using AI/ML and promoting generics/biosimilars where practicable.

Reported enrolled
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Bill Summary · HR 1142

Summary — H.R. 1142 (Introduced: Feb 7, 2025; Sponsor: Rep. David Schweikert)

Purpose / Intent

H.R. 1142 would add a new section to Title XVII of the Public Health Service Act directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop drug adherence guidelines for Medicare drugs, with an explicit goal of achieving 90% adherence for all Medicare Part B and Part D drugs. The provision emphasizes use of artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) and, as practicable, promotion of generic and biosimilar drugs.

Note: the bill record also lists a memorial title (“In memory of Jared Dale Hunt of Corpus Christi”) and is classified in the congressional subject system as a memorial resolution; however, the text provided amends the Public Health Service Act with substantive policy language.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new section (to be numbered 1712) to Title XVII (42 U.S.C. 300u et seq.).
  • Subsection (a): Directs the HHS Secretary to establish drug adherence guidelines aiming for 90% adherence for all Medicare Part B and Part D drugs.
  • Subsection (b): Requires that, in establishing those guidelines, the Secretary:
    • incorporate AI and ML technologies; and
    • to the maximum extent practicable, promote use of generic and biosimilar drugs.
  • Subsection (c): Provides definitions:
    • “Medicare Part B drug” — a drug/biological payable under Part B of Medicare (42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.).
    • “Medicare Part D drug” — a covered Part D drug as defined in section 1860D–2(e) (42 U.S.C. 1395w–102(e)).

Who would be affected

  • HHS / Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): responsible for creating and issuing the guidelines.
  • Medicare beneficiaries who receive Part B (e.g., physician-administered) and Part D (prescription) drugs — guidelines aim to raise medication adherence among this population.
  • Providers, pharmacies, plan sponsors, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and Medicare Advantage/Part D plan administrators — may need to implement programs, data collection, and AI-enabled interventions to improve adherence.
  • Manufacturers of brand, generic, and biosimilar drugs — the provision encourages use of generics/biosimilars where practicable, potentially affecting utilization patterns.

Implementation, enforcement, and funding

  • The text mandates guideline development but does not specify:
    • a timeline for issuance or implementation,
    • mechanisms for enforcement or incentives/penalties, or
    • any dedicated appropriations or funding for HHS or other stakeholders to implement AI/ML systems or adherence programs.
  • “To the maximum extent practicable” makes promotion of generics/biosimilars a flexible standard rather than a strict requirement.

Potential practical considerations and impacts

  • Achieving a 90% adherence target could require broad data sharing, monitoring, outreach programs, digital tools, and provider/pharmacy workflow changes.
  • Use of AI/ML raises issues of data access, interoperability, algorithmic transparency, bias mitigation, and privacy/security of patient health data.
  • Without specified funding or enforcement tools, actual effects would depend on subsequent HHS rulemaking, guidance, and partnerships with CMS contractors, plans, and providers.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced in the House: February 7, 2025 (Rep. David Schweikert).
  • Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce: Feb 7, 2025.
  • Placed on Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar and considered on Local & Consent Calendars in May 2025.
  • Adopted by the House and reported enrolled: May 23–25, 2025.

This summary focuses on the statutory amendment text as provided. The measure’s practical impact will depend on HHS implementation details, any follow-on regulations or guidance, and whether funding or enforcement mechanisms are later added.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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