H 1167 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to enact pharmacy benefit manager duties

This bill establishes new duties for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the companies that manage prescription drug benefits for health insurance plans. It requires PBMs to act with care, transparency, and fairness toward patients (enrollees), health plans, and pharmacies, prioritizing patient interests when conflicts arise. Key provisions include mandating clear disclosure of fees and conflicts of interest, prohibiting excessive "spread pricing" (where PBMs retain fees beyond actual drug costs), and requiring transparent processes for formulary decisions and appeals. Violations may result in monetary penalties or license suspension by the state commissioner. The bill directly affects PBMs, health insurers, pharmacies, and patients covered by health benefit plans.
Sub-Topics: Prescription Drugs
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Sep 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jun 17, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Sep 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Sean Garballey
Sean Garballey
DDemocratic
MA
23rd Middlesex