(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement today following Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address.

“We share Governor Pritzker’s objective to lower prescription drug costs in Illinois, unfortunately the governor’s speech today missed the mark on the value that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) provide in Illinois. To be clear, the core mission of PBMs is to lower prescription drug costs and increase access to medications.

“PBMs are working on behalf of Illinois employers, unions and patients in the fight against high drug costs and are the only stakeholder in the prescription drug supply chain dedicated to lowering drug costs. In fact, PBMs save patients and employers $1,040 per person per year in the state and will save Illinois patients and health plans $39.9 billion over ten years.

“Additionally, PBMs recognize the vital role Illinois pharmacies play in creating access to prescription drugs for patients. PBMs are supporting community pharmacies in rural areas through programs that increase reimbursements. Blaming PBMs for pharmacy closures is not based on the facts.

“Any discussion on prescription drug costs must include the entire supply chain, namely Big Pharma who alone set and raise the price of their drugs. PCMA stands ready to work with Governor Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers on responsible ways to lower drug costs for Illinois residents.”

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PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit companies. Pharmacy benefit companies are working every day to secure savings, enable better health outcomes, and support access to quality prescription drug coverage for more than 275 million patients.