In Review: The Senate committee deadline has passed, resulting in the failure of critical bills such as white bagging and frozen formulary. Illinois Families for Affordable Health Care has launched a digital campaign against HB4548. The strategy involves sending 200 emails and making 100 calls to each targeted legislator. Sample ads for the campaign can be found on the Illinois Families for Affordable Healthcare website. The campaign aims to direct constituents to a landing page where they can easily email their legislators. Two other campaigns opposing HB4548 and HB5395 are also underway by Conservatives for Lower Health Care Costs and CAPD. The state team has approved alternative language for HB4055 and the ground team will contact the sponsor to propose the new language, which focuses on limiting prior authorizations for hemophilia drug therapies. HB5395, the Governor’s bill, underwent a subject matter hearing on March 13, with further deliberations expected next week.

Up Next: Chairman Natalie Manley (D) will host a stakeholder meeting on March 20 to discuss drug costs. We have been asked to submit any suggestions for amendments to HB5395 by Tuesday, and members should send any suggestions to Melodie and Lori on Monday so they can be complied for review.

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