If any language from Grassley-Baucus is approved, “it will probably be inserted into 'end of the year must pass legislation,' along with an SGR fix,” Ms. Johnson stated. Standing alone, the bill is too risky on the Senate floor because it would provide Democrats with the opportunity to reopen the Medicare Modernization Act.
“They could introduce amendments stating that the government could negotiate prices with the pharmaceutical companies. The Republicans don't want that,” she said.