Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1205

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Establishing a commission to study the promotion of preferred pharmacy networks

Impact

The commission created under HB 1205 will conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential savings generated by the preferred pharmacy networks. By conducting a cost-benefit analysis, the commission is expected to provide a thorough understanding of how these networks could operate, as well as the financial implications for the state's healthcare system. The commission is mandated to submit its findings, including recommendations and any proposed legislation, to key legislative committees within a year of the bill's passage. This is significant as it establishes a formal mechanism for evaluating drug pricing strategies and could lead to systematic changes in how pharmacy services are accessed.

Summary

House Bill 1205 aims to establish a commission that will study the implementation of preferred pharmacy networks within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This bill proposes that health insurers could guide consumers towards specific pharmacies that offer lower prices for medications, which would ostensibly lead to reduced prescription drug costs. The initiative is intended to create a structured assessment of how such networks could function and potentially bring financial benefits to both consumers and insurers. The commission will be composed of a diverse group of legislative members and health policy officials who will collaboratively investigate the feasibility and implications of this approach.

Contention

While HB 1205 seeks to promote cost savings through insurance negotiations with pharmacies, there may be potential points of contention surrounding patients' access to medications. Concerns could arise regarding the quality of care at 'preferred' pharmacies compared to others, as well as the impact on independent pharmacies that may not be included in such networks. Stakeholders, including consumer advocacy groups and pharmaceutical professionals, may have differing views on the efficacy and fairness of narrowing consumer choice in pharmacy services. Hence, the bill may prompt extensive discussions on the balance between cost savings and access to healthcare.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA H1053

Establishing a commission to study the promotion of preferred pharmacy networks

MA H1206

Establishing a commission to review contracts between pharmaceutical benefit managers and MassHealth

MA H1056

Establishing a commission to study maximum allowable costs lists

MA H2202

Establishing a commission to study the encouragement of organ donation

MA H833

Establishing the commission on extended producer responsibility

MA H4753

Relative to establishing a commission to study the feasibility of joining the counseling compact

MA H413

Establishing a commission to study the financial relationship between Massachusetts entities and companies owned by the Chinese government

MA H1344

Establishing an affordable housing qualification commission

MA H1055

Relative to pharmaceutical gag clauses

MA S732

Relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.