[The following is a paid advertisement.]

The Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act (HB 2371 SA 2) restores the federal 340B program in Illinois to how U.S. lawmakers intended. There’s nothing new except transparency requirements that Illinois hospitals agree with. HB 2371 is an urgently needed response to drugmaker restrictions on 340B providers. Created in 1992, the 340B program requires drugmakers to discount certain drugs for providers caring for the most vulnerable residents.

340B is critically important for Illinois’ Safety Net and Critical Access Hospitals that serve many low-income and uninsured patients. Of the more than 100 Illinois hospitals participating in 340B, 70% are Safety Net or Critical Access Hospitals. This spring session, House lawmakers have an opportunity to join their Senate colleagues who unanimously passed HB 2371 last spring.

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

• HB 2371 SA 2 would preserve patient access 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 in nearly half of U.S. 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. Stand with Illinois hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers: VOTE YES on HB 2371 SA 2! Learn more.