In an effort to lower prescription drugs costs for our working families and seniors, I joined my colleagues late last week to pass legislation that would allow consumers to take advantage of prescription drug discounts.  This bill is a common-sense measure with a clear set of goals in mind: to provide some financial relief to Massachusetts residents and to better-ensure the health and well-being of our friends and family members through more affordable access to prescriptions.

Specifically, the bill, which I’ve co-sponsored, would allow Massachusetts residents to use manufacturer’s co-pay assistance programs for their prescription medications. It also aims to remove some of the financial barriers that prevent patients from taking their medications as prescribed. For example, a rheumatoid arthritis patient taking a biologic medication with a $20 co-pay would save $180 per year with the passage of this legislation.

The discounts allowed by this legislation do not allow consumers to choose a medicine but would give them the option to save money once their treatment has been prescribed by a doctor and approved by their insurer. Obtaining prescription medicine still requires coordination with a medical professional.

In addition to being supported by me and many of my colleagues, the Prescription Discount Bill has also been endorsed by the ALS Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Lupus Foundation, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the Susan B. Komen Foundation.