Vella Backs Legislation Improving Price Structuring for Prescription Drug Insurance

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In order to improve health insurance transparency, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, helped pass legislation that would require insurance companies to offer insurance plans with a flat-dollar copay prescription drug payment structure.

“With our health care system being difficult for many residents to navigate, having insurance that simplifies how much one needs to pay for their prescription drugs can help residents properly understand their healthcare costs,” said Vella. “Having an opaque and difficult-to-understand payment structure puts unnecessary strain on residents, who may not know how much they need to save and budget for.”

Currently, many health insurance plans use coinsurance payment structures for prescription drugs, which cover a percentage of the cost rather than a flat amount. To ensure that residents know exactly how much they need to pay, Vella co-sponsored House Bill 1745, which passed both the House and Senate with unanimous support. The bill directs insurance companies to offer plans that utilize a flat-dollar copay structure rather than a coinsurance structure.

During this session, Vella has worked to improve healthcare and reduce costs for residents. He co-sponsored legislation that allows any person or healthcare facility to donate unopened, unused prescription drugs or medical equipment to pharmacies, which can then distribute the donated resources to those who need it at a reduced cost.

“With the importance that healthcare has in our lives, it is important that we are constantly working to lower costs, increase transparency, or work on other ways to improve our healthcare system,” said Vella. “I will continue to work to ensure residents have accessible and affordable healthcare.”