Illinois state bill proposes creation of a panel to combat high drug prices; doctors and patients participate

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a lot to say at a third town hall meeting on prescription drug costs in Illinois on Tuesday.

“It was an insult. It was an insult to me as an individual. You can't respect my need for these medications, and just think of all the people who don't advocate for these medications,” said Mary Rothschild, an allergy patient.

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“I've had a whole series of conversations with my doctor and my insurance company trying to figure out how to get the better medication I need,” said Lequita Michelle Mathew, a multiple sclerosis patient.

The discussion on Monday at the Chicago office of the Service Employees International Union focused on a proposed state law that would cap the cost of prescription drugs by establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

Jessica Schlotfeldt is a pharmacist and says that despite all negotiating efforts with health insurance companies and manufacturers, sometimes it is too much.

“When they come to me and say, 'I don't know what's going to happen, and I'm afraid I'm going to get worse without this medication,' and you know what the bottom line is, and I know what the bottom line is: It's definitely serious,” Schlotfeldt said.

Each of Monday's panelists spoke personally about the impact of expensive prescription drugs.

“This is a much bigger deal than just me and my dad and then me and my mom when she went through her battle with cancer. This is a bigger issue that affects everyone in the country,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva, who represents Illinois' 12th District.

“Whether you're trying to have a child or just living your life, the fact is we have a prescription drug affordability crisis,” said State Senator Robert Peters, who represents Illinois' 13th District.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that between January 2022 and January 2023, prices for more than 4,200 drugs increased by an average of more than 15%.

For example, the wholesale price of the blood pressure drug vasopressin (vial of 20 units/ml) increased 37-fold, from $4.32 to $158.04.

“It's a matter of life and death, and I see it every day,” said Dr. Anthony Douglas, a surgical resident at the University of Chicago. “I've had patients with life-threatening complications, often leading to death, because they can't tolerate the blood thinner they need, which costs $600 to $700 a month.”

Earlier this month, Joe Biden's administration negotiated lower prices with pharmaceutical companies for ten of the most expensive Medicare drugs.

Manufacturers have reported that developing new drugs and conducting the necessary clinical trials are costly.