Illinoisans for Affordable Rx
Even before COVID-19, families and employers were already struggling with the increasing cost of health care. Now, as we start to re-open our doors and get back on our feet, it’s more important than ever that our representatives in Springfield prioritize legislation that will help Illinois patients and their families – instead of increase their prescription drug costs.
That’s where we come in. We’re educating policymakers and the public about real, meaningful legislative solutions to address prescription drug costs. We’re setting the record straight and dispelling the myths about Big Pharma and independent pharmacies. And we need your help.
Read our “Prescription for Illinois” below, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, and be ready to take action when our families are at risk
Prescription for Illinois
Stop Big Pharma Price Gouging
Innovations in prescription drugs are important to keeping our families healthy. But Big Pharma companies unilaterally raise the prices of Rx year over year until common medicines that have been on the market for more than a decade cost tens – or even hundreds – of thousands of dollars for a year’s supply. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for the medicine they need.
End Brand Drug Monopolies and Make Generics More Accessible
Big Pharma companies rake in billions of dollars every year on brand name drugs. Big Pharma companies will file hundreds of “new” patents on their old drugs – tying up the courts for years while they continue their monopoly and make it impossible for patients to access affordable generics.
Make Medicaid More Efficient for Taxpayers
Medicaid is a valuable health care safety net; it’s there when vulnerable Illinoisans need it. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) negotiate on behalf of the state of Illinois, driving bargains with Big Pharma companies and saving the state – and its taxpayers – millions. In fact, for every $1 spent on PBM services, the state saves $6 in health care costs. If PBMs are eliminated from Medicaid, it will mean more government bureaucracy and more expensive Rx.
Support PBMs as Patient Advocates
One key way to keep Rx affordable? Give PBMs the tools they need to take on Big Pharma and fight for patients. PBMs’ #1 job is to negotiate lower drug prices – it’s what employers, and governments pay them for. Legislation that keeps PBMs from doing their job as patient advocates could cost patients, families, and taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
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