[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Drugmakers are making it harder for patients and hospitals to access discounted medication through the federal 340B program, which requires pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of certain drugs for hospitals caring for the state’s most vulnerable residents.

The Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act (HB 2371 SA 2) will protect 340B and its positive impact on individual lives. The 340B program is critically important for Illinois’ Safety Net and Critical Access Hospitals that predominantly serve Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured patients. Of the 100 Illinois hospitals participating in 340B, 70% are Safety Net or Critical Access Hospitals.

Instead of supporting patients, Big Pharma has been promoting false narratives about 340B. Here’s the truth:

• HB 2371 SA 2 would preserve the status quo by allowing hospitals to contract with pharmacies where patients live.
• Big Pharma supported Congressional expansion of 340B in 2010.
• Laws like HB 2371 SA 2 have passed nearly 20 states.
• HB 2371 SA 2 does NOT require a state appropriation.
• 340B providers must meet rigorous requirements and undergo regular audits.

Because of drugmaker restrictions, hospitals operating on thin margins face cutting services unless action is taken by the General Assembly. Protect patient access to comprehensive healthcare services and discounted drugs. VOTE YES on HB 2371 SA 2! Learn more.