In Review: The Illinois General Assembly is set to reconvene on February 6, with bill introductions extending until February 9. Lori Reimers met with Senator Napoleon Harris (D), Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, last week. Sen. Harris is contemplating sponsoring the proposed PBM bill by the Department of Insurance (DOI). Sen. Harris said he is focused on reducing drug costs for patients and opposes provisions that do not benefit consumers. PCMA was able to raise concerns about reimbursement and network restriction provisions that are in the draft. We have shared an initial breakdown of the proposed bill with the Illinois team, including arguments that can be refined into messages, fact sheets, and cost breakdowns. Plans for meetings with Senate President Don Harmon (D) and key legislators are underway. PCMA is establishing contacts with unions, urging members to identify serviced unions for outreach. The upcoming call scheduled for January 26 is canceled.

If you have any questions, please contact Melodie Shrader at mshrader@pcmanet.org.