Bill

Bill > S640


MA S640

To ensure access to generic medications


summary

Introduced
01/22/2019
In Committee
01/22/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to ensure access to generic medications. Financial Services.

AI Summary

This bill aims to ensure access to generic medications by regulating the practices of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and covered entities. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring PBMs and covered entities to establish a maximum allowable cost (MAC) list only for drugs with at least two therapeutically equivalent, multiple source drugs or one generic drug available for purchase. 2. Mandating that PBMs and covered entities remove drugs from the MAC list within 3 business days if they no longer meet the requirements. 3. Obligating PBMs and covered entities to provide pharmacies with the sources used to determine the MACs and the actual MACs for each drug. 4. Ensuring that the MAC is equal to or greater than the pharmacy's acquisition cost and that the MAC list is updated at least every 3 business days. 5. Establishing a process for pharmacies to contest the listed MAC, and requiring PBMs and covered entities to adjust the MAC if the appeal is valid. 6. Prohibiting PBMs and covered entities from restricting or penalizing pharmacies or pharmacists for disclosing healthcare information to patients, including the cost-share and availability of more affordable alternative drugs.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see S2543 (on 02/18/2020)

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