By Bob Katzen

Senate 34-5, approved an amendment that would allow Health Policy Commission regulators to place a maximum price limit on some medications, capping what patients, providers, pharmacies and others in Massachusetts would pay.

“I was supportive of this amendment because of the impact high prescription drug prices have had on the most vulnerable in my community” said Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “Nobody should have to make a choice between paying their bills and paying for their prescriptions.”

“While I agree with the intention behind this amendment, I believe that the subject matter needs to be addressed. I voted no … because I believe, given its magnitude, that it should go through the regular committee-review process,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “While versions of the legislation that this amendment reflect have been filed in previous sessions, this amendment includes new language that deserves a committee hearing and additional committee review.”

“If this doesn’t belong in a budget, I’m not sure where else it belongs,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “This is having a profound effect on how we use our resources in the commonwealth, and if we don’t address this issue sooner rather than later, we will be in major trouble. Our hospitals are in major trouble because of this, our insurers are in major trouble, our state is in major trouble, so this, in my mind, is absolutely the right place for this.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes