Press Releases

Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-Ga.) joined President Donald Trump today at the White House as he signed legislation to prohibit "gag clause" provisions into law. 

Today, President Trump signed two Senate companion bills to Carter's Know the Cost Act. These bills prohibit "gag clause" provisions in Medicare as well as in group or individual health plans. 


Currently, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are able to include requirements in contracts that prevent pharmacists from providing advice to their patients on the best and cheapest out-of-pocket alternatives to medications covered under insurance. This is commonly known as a "gag clause." As a result, patients may be paying more for their prescriptions than is warranted.

As the only pharmacist in Congress, Carter has been a leader in the fight to eliminate "gag clause" provisions. 

"Today is a great day for patients," said Carter. "I know firsthand how important it is for pharmacists to have the ability to work with patients to figure out what is in their best interest. Banning "gag clauses" will help ensure that is possible by allowing pharmacists to help patients access the lowest cost options. 

"It was an honor to join the president today. Now, we must continue our work with President Trump to lower prescription drug prices and health care costs for all Americans."

S. 2553, the Know the Lowest Price Act and S. 2554, the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act were signed into law today. The Know the Lowest Price Act prohibits "gag clause" provisions in Medicare while the Patients to Know Drug Prices Act prohibits "gag clause" provisions in groups and individual health plans.