NY Sen. Webb: State Senate Advances Bill to Lower Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs

New York State Senator Lea Webb (SD-52) announced that the State Senate has advanced a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, expanding access to health care, and promoting health equity across New York. Webb said the measures are designed to put patients before profits.

Among the key proposals is legislation banning anti-competitive “pay-for-delay” agreements, in which brand-name drug manufacturers compensate generic drug companies to delay the release of lower-cost alternatives — a practice Webb says drives up costs for consumers. The package also includes measures to ensure prescription drug rebates are distributed equitably and in a timely manner to patients, and to require health insurance policies to cover diabetes-related health screenings.

In addition, the legislation would position New York to become the second state in the nation to pursue its own drug manufacturing program to reduce costs and prevent supply shortages.

“New Yorkers should never have to choose between their health and their wallet,” Webb said. “This package takes real action to lower prescription drug costs, increase transparency, and put patients ahead of pharmaceutical profits. By increasing access to affordable generics and banning pay-for-delay agreements, we are protecting access to care. New York is stepping up to make health care more affordable and equitable for every family.”

The legislative package passed by the Senate includes:

• The New York Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act
• Banning Pay-for-Delay Agreements
• Expanding Fee Schedules to OASAS Treatment Centers
• Ensuring Patients Benefit from Prescription Drug Rebates
• Requiring Insurance Coverage of Diabetes-Related Screenings
• Prescription Drug Supply Chain Transparency Act
• Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program
• Streamlining Reimbursements to Pharmacies