Bill > S2397

This bill seeks to address pharmaceutical access, costs, and transparency in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: - Defines key terms like "biosimilar," "brand name drug," "generic drug," and "pharmacy benefit manager" to provide clarity. - Requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide early notice to the Health Policy Commission about new drug introductions and significant price increases. - Establishes a process for the Health Policy Commission to review the pricing of certain high-cost drugs and work with manufacturers to improve patient access through access improvement plans. - Requires the Center for Health Information and Analysis to collect and analyze data from pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers on drug costs, rebates, and pricing trends. - Creates a 4-year program to cap insulin copays at $25 per month and eliminate deductibles and coinsurance for insulin. - Requires the Health Connector to report on the impact of pharmaceutical pricing on its plans and members. - Establishes a task force to review and make recommendations on pharmacy reimbursement and transparency issues. The overall goal is to increase transparency, promote access to affordable medications, and empower state agencies to better understand and manage pharmaceutical costs.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2397