RELEASE: New Report Finds Illinois Could Save Over $190 Million by Passing Prescription Drug Affordability Board Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Schrader
josh@citizenaction-il.org
New Report Finds Illinois Could Save Over $190 Million by Passing Prescription Drug Affordability Board Legislation
CHICAGO, IL – A new report released today by the Coalition for Prescription Drug Affordability finds that Illinois could save more than $190 million by passing HB 1443/SB 66 to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). The board would automatically adopt Medicare-negotiated prices as Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) statewide, extending the benefits to all Illinoisans and delivering substantial savings to the state. These estimates reflect only the first 10 drugs subject to Medicare negotiation and do not include additional savings from future negotiated drugs or from the PDAB’s independent authority to set UPLs on other high-cost prescription drugs not negotiated by Medicare.
The analysis, based on federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data and state employee health plan drug spending data obtained via FOIA from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, focuses only on the first ten drugs negotiated by Medicare. Medicare has already negotiated prices for fifteen additional drugs set to take effect in 2027, with twenty drugs set to be negotiated each year thereafter. A PDAB would allow Illinois to adopt these prices as UPLs automatically, creating a pipeline of guaranteed, recurring savings for taxpayers.
This board would also have the authority to set UPLs for other high-cost drugs not being negotiated by Medicare, such as insulin and epinephrine, allowing for further savings for the state and Illinois consumers. A PDAB saves money in three critical ways: For taxpayers and the state, by reducing spending on state-funded health plans and Medicaid. For consumers, it lowers out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. For employers and families, it reduces health insurance premium growth driven by high drug prices.
In October, Colorado became the first state in the country to set an Upper Payment Limit through its PDAB, on the drug Enbrel. Estimates suggest this single UPL could generate up to $32 million in combined state and private health plan savings.
Polling shows that 77% of Illinois voters are concerned about their ability to afford prescription drugs in the future. Following the passage of H.R. 1, state officials estimate that 270,000 to 500,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage in 2026. Meanwhile, prescription drug prices continue to rise far faster than inflation, placing pressure on families, small businesses, and the state budget.
“Illinois families are struggling with an affordability issue, rationing medications, small businesses are struggling with rising premiums, and state budgets are under growing strain,” said Anusha Thotakura, Executive Director of Citizen Action/Illinois. “Passing HB 1443/SB 66 would not only make prescription drugs more affordable but would also generate savings that can support essential services across the state. Illinois cannot afford to wait.”
About the Coalition for Prescription Drug Affordability
The Coalition for Prescription Drug Affordability is a diverse group of healthcare professionals, patient advocates, consumer advocates, labor, faith, and small business organizations committed to addressing rising prescription drug costs in Illinois. The PDAB will be an independent body with the authority to evaluate and regulate high-cost prescription drugs, ensuring fair and affordable access for all Illinoisans.
View the full coalition list and learn more at citizenaction-il.org/pdab.
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For Media Inquiries:
Contact
Josh Schrader
Citizen Action/Illinois
(402) 860-0689
josh@citizenaction-il.org