SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A state Democratic bill to make it faster to receive some HIV medication passed the Illinois House.
Prior authorization is when a doctor needs to wait to hear from insurance on if they will cover a prescribed medication.
The plan would remove prior authorization for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis or other medications similar to it.
Most Republicans opposed the bill, who said this will only force insurance companies to increase rates, forcing higher costs on the consumer.
In a back and forth with a Republican Representative, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) said lawmakers should prioritize lives over cost.
"While some may choose to sympathize with the insurers, I choose to sympathize with people's lives who are at risk and in need of medication as soon as possible," Cassidy said.
The bill passed out of the House on a 78-35 vote. Some GOP representatives voted in favor of the bill. It now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers could talk about it in the coming weeks.
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