VillageMD faces lawsuit over online tracking technologies


Ascension uses private equity staffing firm for Chicago hospitals


HB 5517

Creates the Protection Against Unnecessary Health Care Costs Act. Requires the State Comptroller to establish the Drug Discount Card Program to be made available for all residents of this State. Requires the Department of Insurance to report to the General Assembly and to the Governor recommendations for establishing an outreach and education program to inform licensed physicians on when a drug patent will expire and become available in generic form, and when generic alternatives exist for drugs whose patent recently expired. Provides that on and after October 1, 2025, a pharmaceutical manufacturer that employs an individual to perform the duties of a pharmaceutical sales representative shall register annually with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as a pharmaceutical marketing firm. Provides that each pharmaceutical marketing firm shall provide to the Department a list of all individuals employed by the pharmaceutical marketing firm as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Sets forth provisions concerning registration; registration fees; discipline of pharmaceutical marketing firms; the Department posting a list of all individuals employed by the pharmaceutical marketing firm as a pharmaceutical sales representative; and reports by pharmaceutical marketing firms to the Department. Requires the Department of Public Health to report to the General Assembly and the Governor, an analysis of pharmacy benefit managers’ practices of prescription drug distribution


Advocate Aurora uses anticompetitive tactics to drive up prices, lawsuit alleges


Hospital’s $55M Deal To End 16-Year Antitrust Case Gets OK


Summary of State Legislative Efforts Aimed at Health Care Transformation Reforms


HB 3957

Creates the Pharmaceutical and Health Affordability: Restrictions on Manufacturers’ Amoral Behavior through Reasonable Oversight Act. Provides that a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor shall not engage in price gouging in the sale of an essential off-patent or generic drug. Provides that the Director of Healthcare and Family Services or Director of Central Management Services may notify the Attorney General of any increase in the price of any essential off-patent or generic drug under the Medical Assistance Program under the Illinois Public Aid Code or a State health plan, respectively, that amounts to price gouging. Provides that whenever the Attorney General has reason to believe that a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor of an essential off-patent or generic drug has violated the Act, the Attorney General shall send a notice to the manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor requesting a specified statement. Provides that within 45 days after receipt of the request, the manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor shall submit the statement to the Attorney General. Provides that to accomplish the objectives and carry out the duties prescribed in the Act, the Attorney General may issue subpoenas or examine under oath any person to determine whether a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor has violated the Act. Provides that upon petition of the Attorney General, a circuit court may issue specified orders against violations of the Act. Contains provisions concerning the disclosure of financial information provided by a manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor to the Attorney General. Effective January 1, 2024.


SB 1300

Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Establishes the right of each patient to receive from his or her health care provider an estimated cost of nonemergency medical treatment prior to undergoing the nonemergency medical treatment.


SB 1344

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed in the State on or after (rather than only after) January 1, 2024 shall provide coverage for all abortifacients, hormonal therapy medication, human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and follow-up services related to that coverage. Effective immediately.


SB 1408

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that drugs prescribed to residents of the following facilities are not subject to prior approval as a result of the 4-prescription limit: (i) long-term care facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act; (ii) community-integrated living arrangements as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act; (iii) supportive living facilities as defined in the Code; (iv) intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities as defined in the ID/DD Community Care Act; and (v) medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities as defined in the MC/DD Act.