Pappas-Backed Law Streamlines Access to Lifesaving Medications

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. – A new law backed by state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, will streamline and simplify the prescription filling process, cutting down on wait times for lifesaving medications.

“The red tape put in place by big insurance companies prevents pharmacists from ordering medications and adds huge wait times for people who need critical treatments,” Pappas said. “Too many companies in the health care industry are concerned with profits more than patients. I am working to give our community a system that is fast and reasonably priced, not one plugged up with pointless paperwork designed to serve corporations.”

Pappas voted to pass House Bill 2160, which requires the Department of Insurance (DOI) and the Department of Health and Family Services (HFS) to develop simple, uniform authorization forms for prescription drugs for providers and insurers to use. There are currently numerous unique authorization forms necessary for every specific insurer; the new law combines those forms into one for commercial insurers and one for managed care organizations. The bill received strong bipartisan support, and is now law.

“Our community deserves a stronger Illinois with affordable medical care for everyone,” Pappas said. “This law will cut costs while speeding up the important prescription-filling process. While there is still more work to be done, this is a step in the right direction.”