[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 what U.S. lawmakers intended. There’s nothing new except transparency requirements that Illinois hospitals agree with. The legislation 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 so they can stretch scarce federal resources.

The legislation is critically important for all 340 B hospitals and the low-income and uninsured patients they serve. House lawmakers have an opportunity to join their Senate colleagues—who unanimously passed HB 2371 SA 2 last spring—by voting for Illinois’ 340B bill.

Consider the following:

• HB 2371 SA 2 supports patients by allowing hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to contract with pharmacies where patients live.
• 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.
• Hospitals agree with the additional transparency requirements in HB 2371 SA 2.

Because of drugmaker restrictions, hospitals operating on thin margins face service cuts unless action is taken by the General Assembly. Stand with Illinois hospitals and FQHCs: VOTE YES on HB 2371 SA 2! Learn more.