Bill > H4495

This bill amends Chapter 176O of the General Laws to protect 340B covered entities, which are healthcare providers participating in the federal 340B drug discount program designed to help certain healthcare organizations access discounted medications. The bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and other third-party reimbursement entities from discriminating against 340B providers in several key ways: they cannot reimburse 340B entities at lower rates compared to non-340B entities, cannot assess additional fees or charge-backs based on 340B status, cannot restrict network participation due to 340B status, cannot mandate specific pharmacy contracts, cannot require special claim modifiers identifying 340B drugs (except for Medicaid claims), cannot impose additional coverage limitations or financial penalties for patients obtaining drugs from 340B entities, and cannot interfere with patients' rights to choose 340B providers by using inducements or steering tactics. The legislation aims to ensure fair treatment of 340B providers and protect their ability to provide discounted medications to patients, which is particularly important for safety-net healthcare organizations serving vulnerable populations.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Financial Services (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4495