DeLuca Backs Plan to Crack Down on Prescription Price Gouging

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Concerned that skyrocketing prescription costs are unfairly taking advantage of consumers, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, recently supported a plan to further empower the Attorney General to penalize drug companies found raising costs without cause.

“In recent years, I’ve heard from families who have found it increasingly difficult to cover rising drug costs,” DeLuca said. “For many people, this isn’t a choice or something that can be neglected – these prescriptions are a necessity. Let’s make sure that there’s a real basis for these increases, and ensure that people receive the care they deserve at an affordable, responsible rate.”

DeLuca voted in support of House Bill 3957, which applies to essential medications that are generic or off-patent. Such medications are identified by the World Health Organization or the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services as “essential” due to their efficacy in treating a chronic or life-threatening condition, and are sold by no more than three U.S. manufacturers.

Price gouging is identified as an unconscionable increase in a drug’s price that would result in an increase in the wholesale acquisition cost of the drug of 30% or more within the preceding year, 50% or more within the preceding three years, or 75% or more withing the preceding five years and otherwise unduly burdens consumers due to the importance of the drug to their health with few alternative options.

The state’s Healthcare and Family Services or Central Management Services agencies would be responsible for notifying the Attorney General who would be further empowered to review the matter and pursue financial penalties if warranted.

House Bill 3957 does not apply brand name drugs that are patent protected.

“It’s important that we continue to keep a close eye on the cost of prescriptions and other essential health care costs,” DeLuca said. “This impacts people of all ages and of all backgrounds, and I look forward to further action that will help to protect and support families.”

For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.

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