Lilly Legislation Seeks to Prevent Price Spikes in Generic Drugs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is pushing legislation to keep the costs of generic drugs and medicine affordable and prevent massive price spikes in the future as a way to increase corporate profits.

“We have seen the effects of individuals who single-handedly raise prices on people who need affordable drugs and medicines,” said Lilly. “Another egregious ‘pharma bro’ incident should not be allowed to happen again, especially when the motive behind that is purely profits. Profits should never supersede the needs of people.”

Lilly is a co-sponsor of House Bill 4900. The measure establishes the Illinois Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, which would prevent drug manufacturers and wholesalers from engaging in price gouging of their drugs as a way to increase profits. The Illinois Attorney General’s office is empowered to investigate manufacturers and wholesalers after price increases to fully determine if price gouging has happened or if the price increase is justified.

“If you don’t have your health, you don’t have much else,” said Lilly. “Sickness does not happen by choice, and strikes without notice. No matter the type of medicine, name brand or generic, should be totally under the discretion of a wealthy few who strive to find an extra dollar off of the sick.”