[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Illinois hospitals are round-the-clock care providers and innovators in enhancing care quality. Hospitals support patients through community health workers and by addressing social drivers of health, like food insecurity and lack of transportation. They’re also major drivers of economic activity, pumping $135.5 billion into the state’s economy every year, employing over 200,000 hospital workers, and spending nearly $30 billion on supplies and services.

Hospital spending improves communities through job creation in other sectors. Every Illinois hospital job leads to 1.6 jobs outside of the hospital. Every $1 that hospitals put toward payroll, supplies, and capital brings in an additional $1.40 in spending in the state and local economy.

Despite this, Illinois hospitals face mounting challenges due to federal Medicaid funding cuts expected to cause as many as 300,000 of Illinois’ most vulnerable residents to lose health coverage. In addition, hospitals are contending with ever rising drug and supply costs, healthcare workforce shortages, and a harsh medical liability climate.

Passing House Bill 2371 SA 2—the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act—is a simple way help Illinois hospitals remain strong contributors to individual and community health and well-being, with NO state appropriation needed. Learn more.