Illinois § 5

§ 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.)