Scherer-Backed Measure Aims to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is working to make prescription drugs more affordable by passing new bipartisan legislation cracking down on price gouging by big pharmaceutical companies.

“Families should not be forced to make the hard choice between making sure that family members facing an illness have access to life-saving medication and whether they have food on the table,” said Scherer. “Corporations are not persons, but the people in charge of these companies should have the good conscious to not benefit from this unjust situation.”

Scherer passed House Bill 3957, which would make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible by cracking down on price gouging by big pharmaceutical companies. Research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that over 1,200 prescription medications increased in cost over the past year, with the average increase being 31% and some being as high as 500%. House Bill 3957 empowers state health agencies and the attorney general to combat these increases with financial penalties on companies found raising costs without cause. 

The bill received bipartisan support in the House, and now awaits final approval in the Senate.

“Lifesaving medications only work if people can afford them, so it’s clear that now is the time to address these unscrupulous practices that have financially strangled families across the state and country,” said Scherer. “I am proud to have stood by my colleagues as we fight to improve the lives of all families across Illinois.”