Syed Introduces New Measure to Cut Prescription Drug Costs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine, is continuing her work to reduce the price of prescription drugs with a new measure she introduced Wednesday creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board empowered to review prices of certain drugs and block price increases that would gouge patients.

“Modern healthcare advancements can change lives for the better, but only if people can access affordable care.” Syed said. “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board will be another step in this effort to hold big pharmaceutical companies to account, and stop unnecessary price increases.”

Last session, Syed championed the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act which has been signed into law. Yesterday, Syed introduced House Bill 4472, which will create the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The Board will have the legal authority to review the price of any prescription medication that causes financial challenges for Illinoisans and implement payment limits to ensure that these lifesaving drugs remain affordable for those who need them. Syed hopes the measure will address the prescription drug price crisis in our state.

“The status quo has not been working, and it has to change for the health of our individuals, families and communities across the state,” said Syed. “No matter where you live or what you do for a living you should never have to struggle to pay for an essential medication that your body needs to function. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the governor to get this critical piece of legislation passed.”