Ness Supports Legislation to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, recently supported legislation that would create a prescription drug repository program, allowing for unused, unopened prescription drugs to be donated and distributed to patients.

“Now more than ever, increased accessibility and affordability in healthcare is crucial, as many families are still facing financial instability from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ness. “Prescription drugs often go unused or unopened for various reasons, and as the costs of prescription drugs continue to skyrocket, it’s common sense that these drugs can be recycled and available for those who need it most.”

Ness is a co-sponsor of House Bill 119, which creates the Prescription Drug Repository (PDR) program. The PDR program allows any person or healthcare facility to donate unopened, sealed medication or medical equipment in the original, tamper-evident packaging to participating pharmacies. Donated medication or medical equipment would then be distributed at a low fee to eligible patients.

“The Prescription Drug Repository program will not only improve access to costly drugs to individuals in need, but will also prevent these potentially dangerous drugs from being improperly thrown away or the potential health risk if those who have not been prescribed a medication gain access to it,” said Ness. “I am proud to support this important piece of legislation that will make a major impact on the lives of many residents, as well as our environment.”