Bill > H2059

This bill establishes a statewide discount program for pharmaceuticals, called the Massachusetts Prescription Drug Program, to make prescription drugs available at the lowest possible cost to participants and maximize the purchasing power of consumers in the Commonwealth. The program will be administered by a director appointed by the Governor, who will negotiate discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers, purchase drugs on behalf of participants, determine program prices, and reimburse pharmacies. The bill also defines "pharmacy benefit manager" as an entity that processes claims, negotiates with pharmacies and manufacturers, and acts as an intermediary, and "prescription drug claims processor" as an entity that handles and pays for prescription drug claims. Pharmacies enrolled in the program will be required to charge participants the program price when presented with a valid program identification card. Furthermore, individuals and entities receiving pharmaceuticals through a state department or agency will be automatically enrolled in the program, unless they can demonstrate that enrollment would increase costs, in which case they may be exempt. The director will also be responsible for issuing identification cards, enrolling pharmacies, and submitting an annual report on the program's progress, including savings achieved and recommendations for expansion.