THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Page 5 Sen. Lewis supports passage of bill to lower prescription drug costs S tate Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to unanimously pass An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency – is also known as the PACT Act. This legislation makes much-needed reforms to improve oversight of the pharmaceutical industry and lower the cost of essential drugs for patients. “Working to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare has always been one of my top priorities in the legislature,” said Senator Lewis. “I’m proud to support this critical legislation that makes life-saving drugs more aff ordable and accessible for patients, and holds pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and pharmacy benefi t managers more accountable for their actions.” This comprehensive pharmaceutical bill includes provisions to: • Lower costs for life-saving medications by off ering immediate price relief and limiting out-of-pocket spending for preState Senator Jason Lewis scription drugs used to treat diabetes, asthma and chronic heart conditions, and ensure that a patient purchasing a prescription drug is not charged a cost-sharing amount, such as a co-pay, if it would be cheaper for the patient to purchase the drug without using insurance. • Increase access for patients to use their preferred pharmacy by allowing independent pharmacists the opportunity to become licensed to dispense specialty medications, and allow any network pharmacy to contract with carriers to provide mail-order prescriptions. • Hold drug companies accountable by directing the state’s Health Policy Commission to establish a process for identifying unreasonably high drug prices that create access barriers for patients to essential medicines, and assess a penalty fee on pharmaceutical manufacturers that fail to comply with this process. • Expand oversight of Pharmacy Benefi t Managers (PBMs) by authorizing the state Division of Insurance to license and regulate PBMs, which play a major role in determining how prescription drugs are tiered and priced on insurance plans. The Massachusetts Senate has previously passed earlier versions of this bill, but they were not taken up by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This latest version of the PACT Act now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. CONCERT | FROM PAGE 3 ers to wintry scenes with evocative English lyrics. The lively “Je veux vivre” from Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette,” sung in French, captures youthful joy and romance. Other pieces like the Spanish “El Molondrón” and the Italian “Flower Duet” from “Lakmé” sparkle with seasonal charm. Suzini will also perform “Melodia Sentimental” by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. The concert will conclude on a high note with gorgeous duets full of harmony and cheer, including the French Barcarolle from “The Tales of Hoff mann.” Through these special selections in diverse languages, Suzini, Sticco and pianist Ke Xin Tian perfectly capture the spirit, emotions and sights of the winter season. The Friends of the Malden Public Library and members of the Malden Historical Society are delighted to present this musical gift celebrating Malden’s cultural richness. The concert is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. After the performance, guests can enjoy seasonal refreshments, socialize with friends old and new, and learn more about our favorite volunteer organizations. The Friends of the Malden Public Library is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the MPL’s activities through fundraising activities as well as promoting the appreciation and enjoyment of our stellar Library. In 2023, the Friends have aimed to partner with local businesses for mutual promotion, with all funds from any events going to the MPL. The Friends are also present at community events in an eff ort to increase their membership – as Malden was recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the Commonwealth, the Friends strive to refl ect that diversity in their members. There is something for everyone at the Friends! Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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