RELEASE: ADVOCATES HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON BILL TO ESTABLISH A PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Schrader
josh@citizenaction-il.org
ADVOCATES HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON BILL TO ESTABLISH A PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Advocates and lawmakers gathered today at the State Capitol to underscore the critical importance of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board Act (HB 1443/SB 66), legislation aimed at protecting Illinoisans from the soaring costs of prescription medications. The event featured remarks from the bill’s Chief House Sponsor, Representative Nabeela Syed, and Chief Senate Sponsor, Senator Robert Peters, alongside representatives from Citizen Action/Illinois, AARP, the Small Business Advocacy Council, the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Planned Parenthood Illinois, and other leading organizations.
"The need to pass this bill is urgent, especially as costs continue to climb across the board. I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it: no one should have to choose between paying for their mortgage, utilities, or groceries and affording life-saving medication,” said Representative Nabeela Syed. “This issue hits our most vulnerable communities the hardest, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, who are already facing financial strain."
The Prescription Drug Affordability Act establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), an independent body tasked with reviewing high-cost medications and setting Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) to protect consumers from price gouging. By evaluating the affordability of specific drugs, the PDAB will bring transparency and accountability to the pharmaceutical market, ensuring fair pricing for all residents of Illinois.
Chief Senate Sponsor, Senator Robert Peters also spoke at the press conference: “What we’ve seen is someone who said they would help lower consumer prices and the first day in office his actions directly contradicted that. Whether you live in a downstate county or in Cook County, this issue affects you. It’s time to move beyond talk and move towards action when it comes to a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.”
Other advocates emphasized the broader impact of the bill, particularly on older adults, small businesses, and vulnerable populations.
“In our state of Illinois, 1 in 4 people ration or take sips of their medications to prolong needing a refill. I can tell you drugs do not work like that. Failure to take your medicine as prescribed accounts for 25% of hospitalizations and 125,000 deaths a year in America,” said Dr. Anthony Douglas, a general surgery resident. “The lack of prescription affordability leads to Illinois residents being hospitalized for conditions that could be effectively controlled at home if they could afford their medications.”
“In Illinois, too many Illinoisans face the heartbreaking choice between paying for life-saving medications and meeting basic needs like food and housing. The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs drives up healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, putting an unsustainable strain on older adults and their families,” said Ryan Gruenenfelder, Senior Director of Advocacy for AARP IL. “AARP Illinois, representing 1.7 million members, strongly supports the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to address these rising costs and help keep essential medications within reach for everyone in the state.”
The Small Business Advocacy Council has also weighed in on the high cost of certain prescription drugs, “Small businesses are deeply impacted by the excessive cost of certain prescription drugs because it drives up the price of health insurance and can impact the health of employees struggling to afford their medications," said Elliot Richardson, President of SBAC. “We believe a PDAB can provide a necessary safeguard against the outrageously high cost of certain prescription drugs.”
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago highlighted the importance of equitable access to medications for individuals managing chronic health conditions. “Access to life-saving antiretroviral medications for HIV prevention and treatment is critical for people living with and vulnerable to HIV, especially when prioritized among the Black, Latiné and LGBTQ communities that are disproportionately impacted,” said Timothy Jackson, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, AIDS Foundation of Chicago. “Illinoisans living with and vulnerable to HIV and other chronic conditions are often forced to choose between their medication and other necessities, like rent and groceries. AFC is proud to support meaningful legislation that will lower the financial burden of prescription drugs on Illinois seniors, veterans, children, and people living with HIV and other chronic conditions.”
The coalition supporting the bill urged swift action from the Illinois General Assembly, citing the growing urgency of addressing skyrocketing drug prices. “While Big Pharma pours millions into President-elect Trump’s hold at the federal level, they are also spending heavily to oppose Illinois’ Prescription Drug Affordability Board. We must put people over profits and hold these companies accountable for skyrocketing drug prices while also fighting back against extremism at the federal level” said Anusha Thotakura, Director of Citizen Action/Illinois. “We stand with our coalition eager to get this done during this legislative session to expand access to lifesaving medication for Illinoisans.”
For more information about the Prescription Drug Affordability Act and the organizations supporting the legislation, please contact Citizen Action/Illinois at the contact information provided below.
About the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB1443/SB66):
The Prescription Drug Affordability Act establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to evaluate high-cost medications and set Upper Payment Limits (UPLs). This groundbreaking initiative aims to curb excessive prescription drug prices, promote transparency, and protect consumers across Illinois.
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For Media Inquiries:
Contact
Josh Schrader
Citizen Action/Illinois
(402) 860-0689
josh@citizenaction-il.org