Gov. Pritzker, Sen. Koehler Deliver 340B Protections That Safeguard Healthcare Access Across Greater Peoria

PEORIA — Patients who rely on community health centers across the Greater Peoria area will continue to have access to affordable medications and critical healthcare services thanks to new bipartisan legislation signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The governor recently signed House Bills 2371 and 4327, two measures that strengthen protections for the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program while increasing transparency and accountability. Heartland Health Services, which serves patients throughout Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties, says the legislation will help preserve a program that has become an essential lifeline for thousands of local families.

Heartland Health Services leaders praised Gov. Pritzker and members of the Illinois General Assembly for working together to advance the legislation, while offering special recognition to State Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria for championing both bills throughout the legislative process.

"For Heartland Health Services, the 340B program is about making limited resources go further for our patients and our community," said Dewitt Harrell, CEO of Heartland Health Services. "These protections help ensure that community health centers can continue connecting patients with affordable medications while sustaining the services and programs they rely on. We are grateful to Governor Pritzker and the members of the General Assembly who recognized what is at stake for patients across Illinois."

The 340B Drug Pricing Program allows eligible community health centers to purchase prescription medications at reduced prices. Those savings are reinvested into patient care by expanding healthcare services, hiring and retaining staff, improving access to medications and addressing health disparities in the communities they serve.

House Bill 2371, the Illinois Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act, prevents pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting the contract pharmacy partnerships that community health centers depend on to provide medications throughout their service areas. House Bill 4327 requires the Illinois Department of Insurance to study the 340B program and report on its impact, giving lawmakers additional information about how the program supports patients and healthcare providers statewide.

Heartland officials said Koehler's leadership was instrumental in moving the legislation forward.

"Senator Koehler understands the important role community health centers play in Peoria and throughout Illinois," Harrell said. "His leadership on both bills helped protect a program that has a direct and meaningful impact on patients' ability to obtain medications and access high-quality care close to home."

Heartland Health Services also recognized the Illinois Primary Health Care Association for advocating on behalf of community health centers throughout the legislative process, ensuring the needs of providers and patients remained at the forefront of the discussion.

The impact extends well beyond Peoria. Community health centers collectively serve more than 1.5 million Illinois residents each year regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. For patients in central Illinois, Heartland Health Services provides primary care, behavioral health and supportive services designed to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes. Leaders say protecting the 340B program means those services can continue growing while keeping affordable medications within reach for the people who need them most.