Illinois could become ninth state with prescription drug affordability board

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers and advocates believe prescription drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them. That’s why Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) are proposing Illinois creates a prescription drug affordability board.

The Coalition for Prescription Drug Affordability told reporters Wednesday that increasing access to life-saving drugs is critical for everyone, and they hope to see Illinois become the ninth state with an affordability board.

Koehler said the older you get, the more medication becomes part of your healthcare plan.

“Seniors get really priced out of the market,” Koehler said. “It’s not right in America where you have people having to decide between paying their rent or putting food on the table or having their medications paid for.”

This plan would establish an independent five member board to evaluate the high costs of drugs and set reasonable rates for people to pay. Members of the board could propose appropriate rates for drugs they review and give manufacturers the opportunity to justify the existing price.