AARP urges Beacon Hill lawmakers to pass bill aimed at lowering prescription drug prices

Note: This bill passed the Massachusetts Senate November 15. It now moves to the House for consideration.

AARP Massachusetts has sent the Senate a letter endorsing Senate Bill No. 2499 - An Act Relative To Pharmaceutical Access, Costs And Transparency.

The bill would lower drug costs in the state and make the process in which prescription drugs are paid for more open. Right now, it’s a complicated process that includes drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, insurers, and pharmacies.

The proposal would set a cap of $25 for patients using certain name-brand drugs that treat some chronic illnesses and free to patients using generic drugs that treat chronic illnesses.

“The Commonwealth should take any and every action that ensures our residents have access to affordable prescription drugs that keep them healthy and living with dignity” State Director Mike Festa and State President Sandra Harris write in the letter.

Read the AARP Massachusetts Letter here

If the Senate Bill is passed, it then goes to the Massachusetts House of Representatives before it can go to Governor Healey.