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(320 ILCS 50/5)
Sec. 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds:
(1) Senior citizens identify pharmaceutical assistance as the single most
critical factor to their health, well-being, and continued independence.
(2) The State of Illinois currently operates 2 pharmaceutical assistance
programs that benefit seniors: (i) the program of pharmaceutical assistance
under
the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act and (ii) the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program under
the
Illinois Public Aid Code. The State has been given authority to establish a
third program, SeniorRx Care, through a federal Medicaid waiver.
(3) Each year, numerous pieces of legislation are filed seeking to
establish additional pharmaceutical assistance benefits for seniors or to make
changes to the existing programs.
(4) Establishment of a pharmaceutical assistance review committee will
ensure proper coordination of benefits, diminish the likelihood of duplicative
benefits, and ensure that the best interests of seniors are served.
(5) In addition to the State pharmaceutical assistance programs, several
private entities, such as drug manufacturers and pharmacies, also offer
prescription drug discount or coverage programs.
(6) Many seniors are unaware of the myriad of public and private programs
available to them.
(7) Establishing a pharmaceutical clearinghouse with a toll-free hot-line
and local outreach workers will educate seniors about the vast array of options
available to them and enable seniors to make an educated and informed choice
that is best for them.
(8) Estimates indicate that almost one-third of senior citizens lack
prescription drug coverage. The federal government, states, and the
pharmaceutical industry each have a role in helping these uninsured seniors
gain
access to life-saving medications.
(9) The State of Illinois has recognized its obligation to assist
Illinois' neediest seniors in purchasing prescription medications, and it is
now
time for pharmaceutical manufacturers to recognize their obligation to make
their medications affordable to seniors.
(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)
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