“The findings in the Health Policy Commission’s (HPC) preliminary report on prescription drug coupons are clear: coupons improve patient access to breakthrough therapies and have a measurable, positive impact on medication uptake and adherence. The HPC report notes that because of these factors, patients will avoid ED visits and hospitalizations and further reduce total healthcare spending. And because Massachusetts’ law prevents the use of coupons for branded drugs when a direct, generic equivalent is available, coupons do not steer patients toward branded drugs away from generics. With the current state law that allows for prescription drug coupons set to expire at the end of this year, it is critical that the Legislature act quickly to extend the program to ensure patients retain the access they need to therapies that keep them healthy and out of the hospital. Without legislative action, Massachusetts would become the only state in the country not to allow prescription drug coupons.”
– Robert K. Coughlin, President and CEO of MassBio