Pritzker, Illinois Lawmakers Strengthen 340B Drug Program Protections for Community Health Centers

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois community health centers and the more than 1.5 million patients they serve each year will receive stronger protections under two new laws signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, a move healthcare leaders say will preserve access to affordable medications while reinforcing the state's commitment to vulnerable communities.

The Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) praised Pritzker for signing House Bills 2371 and 4327, describing the legislation as a landmark step to strengthen the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program and ensure community health centers can continue reinvesting prescription drug savings into expanded patient services. The association said the measures reflect the governor's continued leadership on healthcare access at a time of ongoing uncertainty across the healthcare system.

House Bill 2371, known as the Illinois Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act, protects the contract pharmacy arrangements community health centers rely on to help patients obtain medications and generate 340B savings. Those savings support expanded medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services, additional staffing, workforce development and programs aimed at reducing healthcare disparities across Illinois. The legislation also prevents pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting the contract pharmacy partnerships that health centers depend upon to make the federal program work as intended.

House Bill 4327 directs the Illinois Department of Insurance to study how the 340B program operates throughout Illinois and report on its impact on patients, healthcare providers and communities. According to IPHCA, the study will provide policymakers with greater transparency and accountability while protecting the program's ability to continue serving patients.

IPHCA President and CEO Ollie Idowu credited Pritzker for recognizing the vital role community health centers play across Illinois, saying the governor's action provides stability for providers and patients alike while protecting access to care for those with the fewest healthcare options. Idowu added that the legislation will allow health centers to continue investing 340B savings into expanded services and improved health outcomes for communities statewide.

The association also recognized the bipartisan legislative leadership behind the measures, thanking Sen. David Koehler, Rep. Camille Lilly and Rep. Anna Moeller for sponsoring the bills, along with Senate President Don Harmon, House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and members of the General Assembly who worked collaboratively with the health center community to advance the legislation. IPHCA said the effort demonstrates that protecting patient access to care and promoting accountability can go hand in hand to strengthen Illinois' healthcare system.

Illinois' 55 community health centers serve more than 1.5 million patients annually regardless of their ability to pay, providing comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy and other essential services in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the state.