Manley-Supported Legislation Cracking Down on Prescription Drug Price Gouging Signed into Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In order to ensure that drug companies do not take advantage of Illinoisans and overcharge them, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, helped pass legislation which would make price increases for essential drugs subject to a review by the Attorney General’s Office for price gouging.

“With the rise in prices for prescription drugs over the past few years, it was clear that something must be done to protect residents from being overburdened by medical costs,” said Manley. “It is unacceptable that drug manufacturers have been making record profits while overcharging Illinoisans. This legislation will ensure that there are processes in place to protect patients from predatory price increases.”

According to a report by 46Brooklyn Research, a non-profit that tracks drug pricing data, nearly a thousand drugs had their prices increased at the beginning of 2023. In response, Manley supported House Bill 3957, which was signed into law recently. The bill allows the Attorney General to investigate price increases for certain off-patent and generic drugs. If the increases are found to be unreasonable and excessive, drug manufacturers can be ordered to provide rebates to consumers or be fined.

During this spring session, Manley prioritized working to keep money in the pockets of her constituents through a variety of avenues. She supported legislation requiring insurance companies to cap the out-of-pocket costs for a month supply of insulin at $35, ensuring patients can afford the life-saving medication. Manley also helped pass a state budget that looks to rein in high property taxes by providing municipalities with $50 million and school districts with $350 million in new spending, giving them the resources they need to not rely on property owners for additional tax dollars.

“With the many economic burdens that residents are facing, it is critical that we are doing everything possible to lighten the load and provide them with financial relief,” said Manley. “I look forward to working with residents to ensure that their concerns are being addressed and that they are getting the resources they need to make ends meet.”