Bill > S845

This bill protects 340B healthcare providers in the Medicaid program by limiting the Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services' ability to restrict or limit hospitals' access to discounted prescription drugs. Specifically, the bill requires that if the secretary wants to impose any restrictions on drug purchases under the 340B program (a federal program that allows certain healthcare providers to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices), they must provide at least 180 days' notice to eligible hospitals and submit a detailed report to legislative committees. The report must explain the proposed restriction, anticipated commonwealth savings, estimated fiscal impact on hospitals, and mitigation strategies. The bill also sets specific exceptions, allowing the secretary to restrict reimbursement for drugs that cost over $100,000 per year per patient (up to 25 such drugs) or for seven specific GLP-1 Agonist drugs (which are typically used to treat diabetes and obesity) purchased under the 340B program, effective July 1, 2024. This legislation aims to protect healthcare providers from arbitrary reimbursement restrictions while providing a transparent process for any potential future limitations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S845