Letter: Create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Illinois

I am a disability advocate for the Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer Counties in Illinois. I am writing in support of Illinois creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

Consider an individual's diagnosis with traumatic life changing conditions such as MS, cancer, Parkinson's, diabetes, etc. To treat these health conditions, medication is extremely costly to the individual, but not to the manufacturer.

Everyday people with disabilities with underlying diagnosis such as the above mentioned are faced with the daily decision to either purchase the prescription, paying their rent, and/or buying groceries. High-cost drugs account for nearly one-third of all insurance premiums. As the cost of prescription drugs continues to grow, insurance companies will keep raising premiums on our diverse communities to compensate for the cost.

A Prescription Drug Affordability Board would have the potential to curb skyrocketing costs of vital medications and provide much needed relief to patients across our state. By combining data-driven research with input from a diverse group of stakeholders, that includes people with disabilities, seniors, and individuals with low to middle income, Prescription Drug Affordability Board can identify which drugs pose them most significant challenges and set limits to out-of-pocket cost for individuals.

A Prescription Drug Affordability Board is a sensible solution to a problem, if not reign in and controlled, will have devastating effects on our diverse communities. This ensures that all Illinoisans will pay only what is fair for the prescriptions they need.

Hershel Jackson

Disability Advocate

Illinois-Iowa Center for Independent Living

Rock Island