S. 1674 is expected to be considered on the House floor on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, under a suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. Sen. Wyden (D-OR) introduced S. 1674 on September 9, 2009, and it was referred to the Committee on Finance. On August 5, 2010, the Senate passed S. 1674 by unanimous consent.
S. 2871 would allow individuals who are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid beneficiaries to exclude the first $2,000 of compensation for participating in clinical trials involving testing of treatments for rare diseases or conditions (as defined by the Orphan Drug Act).
In addition, the Comptroller General would be required to study and report on the impact of S. 1674 on enrollment of individuals who receive SSI benefits in clinical trials for rare diseases or conditions.
S. 1674 would sunset five years after its enactment.
Clinical trial payments may threaten eligibility for SSI and Medicaid benefits
A Congressional Budget Office cost estimate of S. 1674 was not available at press time
