Working for Illinois Caucus

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – A meeting involving area leaders and organizations addresses federal and state efforts to lower prescription drug costs.

A main talking point was establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Illinois. This is the fifth in a series of Town Halls scheduled across the state.

No matter age, race, or gender, this affects everyone. Leaders say that stateliners facing high prescription costs may be forced to choose between medications and other daily necessities.

Advocates from Citizen Action/Illinois, the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, AFSCME Retirees, the Committee to Protect Health Care, the Small Business Advocacy Council, and AARP, hosted the meeting.

Director of Citizen Action/Illinois Anusha Thotakura says, “What they would do is review the costs of really expensive medications and set upper payment limits or reasonable rates for Illinoisans to pay. This would apply across the entire supply chain it would affect what you pay at the pharmacy counter. How much you pay for your insurance and everyone else. The goal is to make sure more people have access to the medication they need.”

US Congressman Eric Sorensen, Representative Maurice West, Dr. Ram Krishnamoorthi, and Anusha Thotakura, Director of Citizen Action/Illinois were on the panel.

State Rep. Maurice West (D-IL 67) says, “People are making decisions of choosing their medicine over food and their medicine over lights. Why can’t we have both? You are in the land of the free, home of the brave you should be able to have both."

Community members were also able to share their experiences in affording their prescription drugs and ask questions.

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