Bill > H1352

This bill establishes a prescription drug rebate program for seniors in Massachusetts designed to help lower-income elderly residents manage their medication costs. Specifically, the program allows residents over 65 years old with an annual household adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less to receive reimbursements for their total out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses, including insurance co-pays. The rebates will be paid from the General Fund and are capped at $2,500 per individual annually, covering all prescription drugs as defined in existing state law. The program will be administered by a Commissioner who will establish the process for filing rebate claims and will be required to provide annual reports to legislative committees about the program's impact. The rebate program is set to automatically expire after four years unless the legislature votes to reauthorize it, providing a built-in mechanism for review and potential adjustment of the program's effectiveness and sustainability.