On November 15, 2023, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed S.2499, An Act relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and Transparency, or the “PACT Act 3.0”. This is the third consecutive session that similar legislation has passed in the Senate, with previous versions having passed the Senate in 2019 and 2022. This comprehensive pharmaceutical cost control legislation is aimed at addressing the rapidly increasing costs of prescription drugs. By connecting the need for greater drug pricing transparency with policies to improve oversight of the pharmaceutical industry, the PACT Act 3.0 puts the Senate at the forefront of the state’s efforts to increase access to life-saving and essential prescription drugs. It also aims to lower health care costs overall, as well as provide a no-cost sharing option for certain prescription drugs used to treat chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect communities of color and lower-income residents.
Bill Information
Press Release: Senate Passes Friedman-Crafted Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and Transparency (PACT) Act 3.0 – Nov. 15, 2023
Bill History – Includes Amendments, Roll Call Votes, Previous Versions
Passed Bill Information on MA Legislature Website – S.2520
Bill Announcement Information
Press Release: Senate Unveils Pharmaceutical Access, Costs and Transparency (PACT) Act 3.0 – Nov. 9, 2023
PACT Act 3.0 Announcement Fact Sheet
Bill Text as Voted by Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Bill Information on MA Legislature Website
Previous Session – PACT Act 2022
