New laws cap prescription drug copays at $25, improve access to primary care and close regulatory gaps exploited by Steward Health Care

Governor Maura Healey signed into law S.3012 An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs, and transparency and H.5159 An Act enhancing the market review process. The laws seek to lower health care costs, cap prescription drug costs at $25, improve access to primary care, and increase oversight of the health care industry to protect patients and providers.

H.4653 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature that aimed to increase oversight of the healthcare industry.  The bills were intended to improve healthcare access and affordability and to protect patients and providers. 

Key provisions

• Increased reporting requirements

  Providers would be required to report more information to the Commonwealth Health Insurance Association (CHIA). 

• New Office of Health Resource Planning

  This office would develop a state health plan to forecast healthcare needs. 

• Review of healthcare market changes

  The bill would expand the types of changes that must be reviewed by the Health Policy Commission (HPC). 

• Disclosure of significant equity investors

  Registered Provider Organizations would be required to disclose information on significant equity investors. 

S.3012, An Act Relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and Transparency (PACT Act)

The PACT Act increases state oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers by bringing them under the Health Policy Commission and the health care cost trends process. It will also ensure that patients will pay less for medication by limiting out-of-pocket costs for essential prescription drugs, and promote transparency and affordability of health insurance premiums for consumers.