H 1055 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to pharmaceutical gag clauses

This bill prohibits health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers from including clauses in pharmacy contracts that stop pharmacists from telling patients about lower cash prices or alternative ways to buy their medication. It directly affects insurance carriers, pharmacies, and patients by ensuring pharmacists can freely share cost-saving information without fear of penalty. Additionally, the legislation prevents insurers from forcing individuals to pay more at the point of sale than they would if they purchased the medication without using their health plan. By removing these restrictions, the bill aims to increase transparency and allow patients to access potentially cheaper options for their prescriptions.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 30, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors