S2128

The New York State Senate passed S2128, an insurance law amendment requiring that more than 85 percent of prescription drug rebates be delivered directly to patients at the point of sale, by a vote of 55-1 on Calendar Number 298. Sponsor Sen. Jackson argued the bill addresses a fundamental fairness issue, noting that billions of dollars in rebates flow through the pharmaceutical supply chain annually while patients with chronic and complex conditions pay cost-sharing based on inflated list prices. Jackson characterized the current system as cost-shifting that concentrates burden on the sickest patients rather than spreading risk as insurance was designed to do. He stated the legislation strikes a responsible balance by allowing health plans to stabilize premiums while ensuring meaningful savings reach patients at the pharmacy counter. Only Sen. Walczyk voted in opposition. The bill takes effect immediately.