Jones Fights to Protect Consumers from Prescription Drug Cost Spikes

CHICAGO – Fighting to keep drug prices and other medical costs under control for patients, state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, recently held a hearing to discuss to the consequences of wholesale distributors hiking prescription drugs without public oversight. “Illinois needs to do better to offer our most vulnerable residents affordable medical care and medicine,” said Jones. “Holding hearings to find out why drug costs are so high are necessary for us to craft meaningful legislation that will put patient needs first before insurance company’s profits.” Jones, who chairs the House Insurance Committee, was joined by members of the House Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility Committee last week to listen to patients who rely on costly prescription drugs for their care. Additional testimony was heard from on why costs keep rising as well as legislation to help patients afford their medicine. Jones is also working to pass House Bill 3493, which establishes a review board to monitor generic and prescription drug prices and prevent massive cost spikes from falling on consumers. “The current system forces everyday people to pay for lifesaving medications that are too expensive and can ruin them financially,” said Jones. “I am fighting to protect consumers by reining in these costs through legislation designed to keep life-saving drugs affordable.”