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Michelle Zimmerman
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Cancer Advocates and Lawmakers Attend Prescription Drug Town Hall
This week, cancer survivors and advocates joined virtual town halls throughout the state to hear from state lawmakers, including the bill sponsors, on prescription drug legislation currently being considered.
February 25, 2021
SPRINGFIELD, IL – This week, cancer survivors and advocates joined virtual town halls throughout the state to hear from state lawmakers, including the bill sponsors, on prescription drug legislation currently being considered.
"Soaring out-of-pocket costs make prescription drugs unaffordable for far too many Illinoisans, especially those with chronic conditions," said House Majority Leader Greg Harris. "Passing House Bill 1745 will limit costs and give Illinois patients better access to their medications."
Out-of-pocket health-care costs are on the rise, with some Illinoisans unable to access the life-saving treatments and medications recommended by their providers. In 2021 alone, the American Cancer Society predicts that 74,980 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with cancer. Every Illinoisans with cancer—even those with good insurance plans—will face high out-of-pocket costs that make it harder for patients to afford their prescribed medication.
"For Illinoisans with life-threatening diseases like cancer, the high cost of prescription drugs can be an obstacle to accessing the care they need," State Senator Laura Fine said. "It's time to protect Illinois patients from exploitation and empower them to follow the treatment plans prescribed by their doctors."
The legislature is currently considering legislation that will limit a patient's monthly Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. While this legislation won't save anyone money, it will make expenses more predictable. A patient will no longer have to be worried about going to their local pharmacy and being shocked by their monthly prescription costs.
"Rising prescription drug prices leave people with the choice between filling life-saving prescriptions and paying rent, buying food, and affording other critical essentials," State Senator Scott Bennett said. "My colleagues and I are aware of the growing difficulty Illinoisans are encountering regarding prescription drug prices, and we are committed to addressing this health care issue."
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network looks forward to working with our bill sponsors, the administration and the legislature to ensure that we see this critical legislation signed into law this year.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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