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H 2965

An Act providing prescription drug cost reimbursements to elderly governmental retirees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Alan Silvia

Provides eligible elderly governmental retirees with at least 25% relief on prescription co-pays through the State Retirees Benefits Trust Fund, via participating municipalities.

Accompanied a study order, see H5312 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2965

Summary of House Bill H.2965 (An Act providing prescription drug cost reimbursements to elderly governmental retirees)

Overview

H.2965, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Alan Silvia, seeks to provide prescription drug cost reimbursements to certain elderly governmental retirees in Massachusetts. The bill creates a new framework under the State Retirees Benefits Trust Fund to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for eligible retirees. A related measure from the prior session is cited (House 2658 of 2023-2024), and the bill is currently being considered by the Public Service Committee with a hearing scheduled for June 4, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • To reduce out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for eligible elderly governmental retirees.
  • To leverage the State Retirees Benefits Trust Fund to fund these reimbursements, in coordination with participating municipalities.

Key Provisions

Definition of Eligible Recipient

  • Adds to Section 2 of Chapter 32A a new definition: “elderly governmental retiree” = any retired employee age 70 or over who has been retired for at least 5 years.

Reimbursement Program (Section 10C)

  • Creates Section 10C in Chapter 32A.
  • For any elderly governmental retiree whose municipality provides prescription drug benefits, the retiree is entitled to a reimbursement from the State Retirees Benefits Trust Fund.
  • The reimbursement is to be used exclusively to reduce the retiree’s prescription drug costs.
  • The reduction must be at least 25% of the co-payment the retiree pays for prescription drugs.
  • The trustee of the fund must establish the reimbursement methodology in conjunction with any participating municipality.

Municipal Participation (Section 24)

  • Amends Section 24 to require that a municipality providing prescription drug coverage to an elderly governmental retiree participate in the fund using the procedures set forth in Section 10C.

Eligibility and Scope

  • Applies to municipalities that provide prescription drug benefits to retirees.
  • Targets retirees who are at least 70 years old and have been retired for five years or more.
  • The benefit is contingent on the municipality offering prescription drug coverage and participating in the program under the established methodology.

Administration and Funding

  • Funded by the State Retirees Benefits Trust Fund.
  • Aims to establish a reimbursement methodology through cooperation between the fund’s trustee and participating municipalities.
  • Reimbursements are to be used solely to lower the retiree’s prescription drug costs (minimum 25% co-payment reduction).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced 2/27/2025; referred to the Public Service Committee; Senate concurred.
  • Hearing: Originally scheduled, then rescheduled to June 4, 2025 (06/04/2025) with a location in the House (A-1 initially, later A-2 noted in the schedule).
  • Docket/Track: House Docket No. 2965; House File No. 2353; related measure HD 2353 (replaces).

Potential Impact

  • Direct financial relief for eligible elderly retirees facing prescription drug costs.
  • Requires coordination between the State Retirees Benefits Trust Fund and participating municipalities.
  • Could affect municipal budgeting and benefit administration where prescription drug coverage is provided.

Note: The bill uses the term “elderly governmental retiree” with a defined age and tenure threshold, ensuring a narrow, targeted audience for the benefit.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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