Mass. Consumers Lose Out On Drug Discounts
Mass. Consumers Not Allowed To Clip Coupons On Rx Drugs POSTED: 2:14 pm EDT October 30, 2009 UPDATED: 7:26 am EDT October 31, 2009 BOSTON -- Every state in the country, except Massachusetts, allows consumers to redeem coupons when buying brand-name drugs. "There are consumers every day who simply don't comply with their medications, because they simply can't afford it," said State Representative Peter Koutoujian, (D) of Waltham, Mass. Koutoujian estimates consumers could save thousands of dollars simply by using these promotions. Most are found online -- everything from free trial offers, to discount cards to rebates. Koutoujian wants to change the law so Massachusetts consumers can reap the discounts. Consumers like Robin Montesano, of Winthrop, Mass., who has multiple sclerosis and relies on daily injections to keep up her strength.
"I have to take Copaxone for the rest of my life," she said. But the same drug that keeps her health stable has caused her financial pain. Last year, her co-pay skyrocketed to a whopping $700 dollars a month, just for that one drug.
"Which is just not affordable," Montesano said. A prescription drug coupon would have helped her pay, if she had lived anywhere but Massachusetts. It's the only state in the U.S. that does not allow consumers to clip coupons on brand-name prescription medication. "Government should not be intruding on this decision by telling consumers they can not use these coupons," Koutoujian said. But a representative for Community Catalyst told NewsCenter 5, "such inducements are prohibited by the Anti-Kickback Statute..."
The group said "Coupons amount to a form of bribe or kickback," and "Contribute to the escalating cost of health care in the United States and to prescription drug cost burden under which health plans and employers are struggling." "Most coupons have a certain period of time, you use them once, you use them for your first six purchases, but then where are you left?" said Wells Wilkenson, director of prescription access litigation at Community Catalyst. Wilkenson warns drug companies are using the promotions to market brand-named drugs, over generics that are cheaper. "Their health care plan is going to be paying $200 a month for that one prescription medicine. That's eating up half their health care premium on one medication," he said. Koutoujian argues the bill provides critical help for patients like Montesano, who are left without a generic option. "You can't necessarily up and move to another state that creates better health benefits for you, Montesano said. In November, lawmakers will debate bills that would reverse Massachusetts' ban. » link