Staff Report
(Boston, MA) A bill aimed at addressing the rising cost of prescription drugs, including limiting out-of-pocket spending on insulin for those trying to control their diabetes, was approved Thursday by the Massachusetts Senate. Twenty-one other states already cap co-payments for insurance. The bill would eliminate deductibles and coinsurance and permanently cap co-pays at $25 for a 30-day supply of insulin. The legislation would also create a process to identify other drug price thresholds that pose a public health risk. Drug manufacturers that fail to comply would have to pay into a new drug cost assistance program for patients with chronic health conditions.