Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 10, 2025 Representative Wong supports bill to limit out of pocket prescription costs for consumers and license PBMs Special to Th e Advocate Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 B OSTON – State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) is hailing the passage of legislation that limits out of pocket prescription costs for consumers and authorizes the state’s Division of Insurance (DOI) to license and regulate pharmacy benefi t managers (PBMs). Senate Bill 3012, An Act relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency, was approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate on December 30 and is now on Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her review and signature. Also known as the PACT Act, the bill represents a comproCelebrating 51 Years! Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! Chris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 HANDMADE CIGARS! Four-Year-Old Tobacco * 100% Long Filler * Cellophane $49.95 STORE HOURS: OPEN DAILY Monday thru Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, humidifier, hygrometer, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 mise agreement negotiated by a six-member conference committee that worked to resolve the diff erences between prior versions of the bill passed in both legislative branches. Representative Wong, who supported the original House version of the bill that was engrossed on a vote of 158-0 on July 24, said the PACT Act will help consumers by making certain prescription drugs more aff ordable, including insulin. He noted that the bill requires health insurers offering individual or group health maintenance policies in Massachusetts, including MassHealth, to limit out-of-pocket costs for medications used to treat diabetes, asthma, and the two most prevalent heart conditions among their members, with insurers required to select one generic and one brand name drug to be subject to a co-pay cap. Under the PACT Act, generic drugs selected by insurers must be provided to members free of charge and will not be subject to any co-payments, co-insurance, or deductible. For brand name drugs selected by insurers, co-pays will be capped at $25 for a 30-day supply. Representative Wong said the bill preserves the original House bill’s provision ensuring a continuity of coverage policy for new members who have been previously prescribed and are stable on a drug that has not been selected by the insurer. According to Representative Wong, the PACT Act also establishes a formal licensing process for pharmacy benefi t managers (PBMs), who act as intermediaries between health insurance companies, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers to manage prescription drug benefi ts. The bill authorizes DOI to license and regulate PBMs operating in Massachusetts, with licenses valid for 3 years and renewals subject to the same time limits. In addition to conducting examinations to ensure that a pharmacy benefit manager can meet its responsibilities under contracts with carriers, DOI will also be empowered to suspend, revoke, or renew a license with restrictions if such action is deemed necessary to protect the best interest of consumers. The bill sets a fee of $25,000 for applying for or renewing a license. Representative Wong said the PACT Act establishes an Offi ce for Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA) within the Health Policy Commission (HPC). The OPPA will be primarily responsible for analyzing trends related to the access and aff ordability of pharmaceutical drugs in the Commonwealth and will advise the state in matters relating to pharmaceutical drug policy. Other highlights of the PACT Act cited by Representative Wong include: ● consumer protection and cost sharing provisions directing pharmacies to charge the appropriate cost-sharing amount or pharmacy retail price, whichever is less, at the point of sale; BILL TO LIMIT | SEE PAGE 7 Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! ■ Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. ■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011.
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