SPRINGFIELD – In response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address today, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement:

“I was heartened to hear Gov. Pritzker reaffirm his commitment to making health care affordable and accessible for all Illinoisans in his State of the State address today.

“Outrageous medical costs place life-saving prescriptions, vital procedures and even routine checkups out of reach for many Illinoisans and their families. For too long, patients have been unable to afford the care they desperately need.

“Certainly, we’ve had some recent victories, but we can do so much more. It’s time to prioritize patient health over profits.

“In the coming weeks and months of legislative session, I am eager to join the governor and my fellow legislators to make this vision into a reality.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with diabetes will pay less for their prescription insulin, thanks to a new law co-sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) that seeks to address soaring prescription drug costs.

“The cost of insulin has tripled in the past decade, and wages haven’t followed suit. Prescription drug companies shouldn’t be able to burden families with these sky-high costs,” said Fine, who was the measure’s chief co-sponsor in the Senate. “I’m thrilled to help provide some relief to Illinoisans with diabetes.”

For patients on state-regulated insurance plans, Public Act 101-625 caps the out-of-pocket cost of prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has risen sharply in recent years, driving many patients to sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin or to ration their supply.

The legislation makes Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

“People with diabetes used to have to choose between paying their bills and paying for insulin,” said Fine. “We’re giving them a little more wiggle room and relieving some of that burden. Hopefully this helps people get their prescription without having to sacrifice other needs.”

Public Act 101-625 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department on Aging has adjusted its annual income eligibility limits for the Benefit Access Program, allowing more seniors to qualify to receive transportation assistance in 2020.

“This is the first income limit increase since 2010, despite the rising cost of living,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m glad to see that our most vulnerable seniors will now be able to get help with their transportation needs.”

The Benefit Access Program includes the Secretary of State License Plate Discount, the Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit and the Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride. The services aim to help older adults live independently by improving their transportation options.

For applications submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2020, the new annual income limit for a two-person household is $44,533. This is an increase of nearly $8,000 from the previous income limit.

“Taking care of our senior residents is one of my top priorities,” said Fine. “Increasing income eligibility limits extends these important services to those who need them most.”

To determine eligibility, individuals must submit an online Benefit Access Application. Paper applications are not available. Those without access to a computer can contact their local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, public library or community center for assistance.

SPRINGFIELD – New legislation chief co-sponsored by Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) would give Illinois diabetics relief from the skyrocketing costs of insulin.

“Prescription drug companies have burdened diabetics and their families with prohibitive costs for too long. People have been forced to choose between paying their bills and getting the insulin they need,” said Fine. “We are stepping up and putting a stop to the price gouging.”

Senate Bill 667 caps patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has risen sharply in recent years, driving many patients to sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin or to ration their supply.

The legislation would make Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

“Diabetics should be able to afford life-saving insulin without having to sacrifice other needs,” said Fine. “The cost of a prescription should never prevent them from leading happy, healthy lives.”

The bill passed the Senate 48-7 and now heads to the House of Representatives.