Commission highlights new Massachusetts drug-price law and its implications for residents with disabilities
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Summary
Members discussed S.3012 — legislation signed by Gov. Healey to curb prescription costs — noting copay caps for chronic-condition medications, new oversight and PBM licensing requirements, and remaining gaps affecting devices and other measures advocates sought.
Commission members briefed the group on recent state legislation intended to make prescription drugs more affordable and explained how the law could affect residents with disabilities who rely on ongoing medication.
A member reported that Governor Maura Healey signed S.3012, described in the meeting as “an act that the pharmaceuticals access, cost and transparency,” and summarized key provisions the coalition highlighted: capped copays for certain chronic-condition medications (the meeting listed diabetes, asthma and prevalent heart conditions) with generic options available at no cost in some cases; expanded oversight and data collection by the Health Policy Commission (HPC) and the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA); licensing and greater regulation of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs); and a requirement that pharmacies present patients with the lowest-cost option available.
The presenter said the law was praised by disability advocates but noted it did not include every measure the coalition sought, such as mandatory HPC reviews of all drug-class impacts or including certain devices — cited in the meeting as insulin pumps — in copay caps.
One member asked whether the law included an effective date; the presenter said the material they shared only noted the bill’s signature and did not list an implementation date. Members recommended constituents and service users consult the bill text and official state sources for details on implementation timing and covered products.
No commission action was taken; the discussion served to inform members and constituents about potential cost reductions and continuing advocacy needs.