SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The proposal to lower drug prices by cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers is heading to Illinois House floor.
Gov. JB Pritzker has argued the state needs to limit how pharmacy middlemen negotiate prices for drugs, as PBMs continue to drive up the cost of healthcare.
This legislation could stop PBMs from spread pricing, where they charge Medicaid more money than was paid for the drugs and receive a cut of the profit.
"They're amassing significant wealth while compromising the quality of healthcare and driving community pharmacies out of business," said Petersburg pharmacist David Baggett. "I urge you to address the issue and ensure patients in Illinois receive the care they deserve."
House Bill 1697 passed out of the House Executive Committee unanimously Friday. The proposal received a 56-1 vote in the Senate Thursday night.
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