By Bob Katzen

The Senate 6-33, rejected an amendment extending until 2030 the current law, due to expire in 2026, that allows consumers to use coupons to get discounts and rebates when purchasing prescription drugs. In 2012, Massachusetts was the last state to lift a ban on the use of prescription coupons.

Amendment supporters said this program helps some consumers to save up to 80 percent of the costs of prescription. They said the program has worked well and should be extended to 2030 or be made premanent.

Amendment opponents said the program does not expire until 2026 and it is unnecessary to extend the program right now. Some argued that the use of coupons drives up health care costs by luring consumers and encouraging them to request high-priced brand name medication.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his support for the amendment.

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), the Senate chair of the Committee on Healthcare Financing, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on her opposition to the amendment.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment extending the use of coupons. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No