RELEASE: Statewide Poll Shows Mandate for Springfield Action on Prescription Drug Affordability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Anusha Thotakura, anusha@citizenaction-il.org
Citizen Action/Illinois Releases Statewide Poll Highlighting an Overwhelming Demand for Legislative Action on Prescription Drug Affordability
CHICAGO – A new statewide poll underscores an overwhelming demand among Illinoisans that Springfield take action to reduce prescription drug costs. Prescription drug affordability has long been a major issue for Illinoisans, and the new poll, commissioned by advocacy organization Citizen Action/Illinois, reaffirms the need to address the skyrocketing costs of necessary medications.
The poll of 651 Illinois registered voters, conducted by Public Policy Polling from May 2-3, 2024, shows 48% of respondents are “very concerned” about being able to afford prescription drugs over the next few years. Rising costs have forced 26% of Illinois voters to ration their medications by cutting pills in half or skipping doses, and another 31% say they have left their prescriptions unfilled at the pharmacy counter.
The poll reflects strong public support for electoral candidates who stand up to large pharmaceutical corporations. 73% said they are more likely to support someone who supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs, even if that means opposing pharmaceutical companies. When asked how much the legislature is doing to lower healthcare costs, 69% said “not enough.”
The Illinois House of Representatives is considering passage of the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, HB4472, which would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, an independent body with the authority to evaluate high-cost drugs and set limits on what Illinoisans can pay. Polling showed broad support for the bill across party lines. 80% of Democrats, 61% of Independents, and 38% of Republicans said they support creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
“Every day that we don’t take action is another day that our constituents are choosing between affording their medication or affording their rent, groceries, or heat,” said Rep. Nabeela Syed, (D-Palatine), HB4472's chief sponsor. “I will continue working with my colleagues to pass the Prescription Drug Affordability Act and deliver the relief that Illinoisans desperately need.”
Since 2019, the top ten pharmaceutical manufacturers in Illinois – including Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson – have made campaign contributions to Illinois politicians totaling over $1.5 million to halt attempts at regulation.
“All eyes are on the General Assembly for a solution,” said Citizen Action/Illinois Executive Director Julie Sampson. “We urge our legislative champions to take action and do right by Illinoisans and pass the Prescription Drug Affordability Act.”
To review the PPP memo summarizing the poll results, click here. To review the full poll results, click here.
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Citizen Action/Illinois commissioned a poll to highlight the overwhelming demand for legislative action to reduce prescription drug costs. Prescription drug affordability has long been a major issue for Illinoisans, and the poll’s results make one thing clear—Illinoisans demand action on lower drug costs
Polling on Prescription Drug Affordability
May 2024
Polling Highlights
Illinois voters are struggling to afford their prescription medication:
77% of respondents are concerned (with 48% very concerned) about being able to afford the cost of prescription medication they or their family members may need in the next few years.
Older respondents are especially concerned, with 86% of those aged 46 to 65 and 87% of those older than 65 voicing concerns about this.
An alarming number of Illinoisans report having rationed their medication in some way due to the cost of the drug:
31% say they have skipped refilling a prescription or not filled one at all due to the cost.
26% say they have cut pills in half or skipped a dose of medication to make it last longer.
Caption:
New polling shows over 1 in 4 Illinoisans skip or don't refill meds due to cost. No one should have to make this choice. Ask your legislators to advance affordable healthcare by creating a PDAB: https://citizenaction-il.org/ilpdab
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Something must change. Call on your legislators to support the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability board in IL: https://citizenaction-il.org/ilpdab
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New polling reveals that 1 in 4 Illinoisans are rationing their medication. Access to affordable healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Urge your legislators to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board: citizenaction-il.org/ILpdab
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A new poll reveals that nearly 3 in 4 Illinoisans are more likely to vote for candidates who support lowering drug costs. A Prescription Drug Affordability Board is the next step in ensuring fair prices for all. Learn about PDABs: https://citizenaction-il.org/pdab