An Act to ensure access to prescription medication and community pharmacies

This bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (insurance companies that manage drug benefits) to pay community pharmacies fairly for services, matching or exceeding Massachusetts Medicaid rates for both drug costs and dispensing fees. It prohibits "pharmacy steering" (directing prescriptions to pharmacies owned by the benefit manager) and mandates that all pharmacies, including community ones, can provide specialty medications if they meet standard service requirements. The bill also requires transparency in how drug costs are calculated and gives pharmacies a 7-day process to appeal underpayment claims. It directly affects community pharmacies, benefit managers, and patients seeking medication access, aiming to ensure equitable treatment for independent pharmacies.