On July 24, 2024 the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation entitled An Act promoting access and affordability of prescription drugs, which protects patients and makes prescription drugs more affordable.

A provision that reduces copays for people with chronic conditions, filed as a bill this session by Representative Christine Barber (D-34th Middlesex) of Somerville and Medford, was included in the bill that passed the House.

“Prescription drugs cure disease, manage chronic illness, and not only improve quality of life, but are life-saving for many individuals. Yet prescription drugs do not work if people cannot afford them. Our neighbors should not have to choose between picking up their prescription and picking up groceries.”

This policy will reduce co-pays for people with three chronic conditions that disproportionately impact people of color and low-income communities: diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. For generic medication for each of these three conditions, all co-pays will be eliminated. For a brand name medication for these conditions, including insulin, co-pays will be capped at $25.

When people cannot access critical preventive care, the likelihood of visiting the emergency room for care increases drastically. These affordability challenges are a significant health equity issue. Black and Latinx residents in Massachusetts are more likely to cut pills in half, skip a dose, or not fill a prescription due to cost (36%) than white residents (19%), putting them at greater risk for health complications.

The House bill also address prescription drug costs by: regulating the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry; increasing transparency into PBMs and drug manufacturers through the Health Policy Commission (HPC) and the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA); and by requiring pharmacists to inform consumers if purchasing a drug at retail price would be cheaper than using insurance.

Reducing copays for prescription drugs provides direct relief to patients and ensures that people can afford the care they need. This bill will now be negotiated with the Senate before it heads to the Governor’s desk.

— Office of State Representative Christine Barber