SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State lawmakers aim to significantly reduce the cost of medications. Many hope that Illinois will become the ninth state to create a prescription drug affordability board.
A recent survey by Public Policy Polling showed that 75% of Illinois voters regularly take prescription drugs. However, a concerning number of them ration their medications due to high costs.
“We’re being forced to choose between our health and the profits of others,” said Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “It’s dangerous when the healthcare system prioritizes profits over patients.”
The proposed prescription drug affordability board could assess expensive drugs and set upper payment limits for what Illinois residents pay. Some doctors believe this could be crucial for patient health.
“Not taking medication as prescribed leads to 125,000 deaths and 25% of hospitalizations each year,” said Dr. Anthony Douglas from UChicago Medicine. “These are staggering numbers that drive up healthcare costs.”
The board would review the prices of brand-name drugs, biosimilars, and generics that pose affordability challenges for patients.