New Law Could Save You Money on Prescriptions in Massachusetts
Under a new law signded by Governor Healey people who use prescription drugs to treat some chronic illnesses could soon be saving money. The legislation makes certain name-brand prescriptions $25, generic brands would be free. The law requires health insurers offering individual or group health maintenance policies in Massachusetts, including MassHealth, to limit out-of-pocket costs for medications used to treat diabetes, asthma, and the two most prevalent heart conditions.
AARP praised Governor Maura Healey for signing the bill.
"AARP has worked for decades to lower the price people pay for prescription drugs. This legislation does that. It will help that will ensure Massachusetts residents have access to affordable prescription drugs that keep them healthy and living with dignity. We thank Governor Maura Healey, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka and all state legislators for making this a priority. This prescription drug package will help tens of thousands of older Bay State residents struggling to better afford their medications.”
In an unexpected move, the Massachusetts House and Senate passed the bill on the second to last day of the 2023/2024 session. Both chambers had been in informal sessions since August.
"An Act Relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Costs, and Transparency," aims to address the growing need for affordable prescription drugs in Massachusetts.
A key provision in the bill is licensing Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The legislation would prohibit PBMs from paying a pharmacy benefit consultant or broker if it's a conflict of interest.
In a letter thanking legislators, AARP praised the bill.Read the letter here.
"We appreciate your ongoing efforts to advance policies to address practices in the prescription drug market that can contribute to high prices for consumers and taxpayers,” said Jen Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director. “This will increase transparency and accountability in the prescription drug supply chain, which will help other efforts to lower costs for consumers and taxpayers”
Under the legislation, pharmacists will also be allowed to inform customers when a drug is cheaper without insurance, and the bill prohibits gag clauses that prevent pharmacists from sharing this information. These provisions are designed to enhance consumer choice and reduce unnecessary costs.
Now that the bill is signed into law, the new price structure for drugs used to treat diabetes, asthma and heart conditions would go into effect on July 1.
This isn't the only good news for seniors who take prescription drugs starting this year, the price a person who is on medicare is capped at $2,000 a year. This is something AARP fought for at the national level and won. You can learn more about that here
https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/2025-medicare-prescription-spending-cap.html.
If you would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to ma@aarp.org. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.
