HIGHLAND, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is highlighting a new law he helped pass that helps lower prescription drug costs, increases accountability for pharmacy middlemen, and provides critical financial support to rural pharmacies serving communities throughout the 109th District.
Representative Charlie Meier was Co-Sponsor and helped pass the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Public Act 104-0027), which puts patients first by addressing anti-competitive practices used by pharmacy benefit managers. The law is designed to help reduce prescription drug costs for Illinois families while strengthening and protecting locally owned pharmacies.
“Local pharmacies are often the first stop for healthcare in our rural communities,” Rep. Charlie Meier said. “This law holds our pharmacy middlemen accountable and raises funds to help independent pharmacies stay open and continue serving patients.”
The law establishes a grant program funded through fees on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are companies that negotiate prescription drug benefits and often steer patients toward pharmacies they own or control. The grants help independent pharmacies remain financially stable and continue providing care in rural and underserved communities.
Pharmacies serving residents of the 109th District receiving grant funding include:
Bond County Pharmacy LLC – Greenville (Bond County)
Comprehensive Care Pharmacy – Breese (Clinton County)
Family Care Pharmacy of Breese – Breese (Clinton County)
Bandy’s Pharmacy – Trenton (Clinton County)
Bandy’s Pharmacy – Irvington (Washington County)
Doehrings Pharmacy – Nashville (Washington County)
Nashville Pharmacy – Nashville (Washington County)
Okawville Medicenter Pharmacy – Okawville (Washington County)
More than $25 million has been awarded statewide to assist 434 pharmacies that are at the greatest risk of financial hardship or closure, particularly those serving rural and low-income communities with limited access to healthcare. Each pharmacy received a grant of $56,892 to help maintain access to essential pharmacy services.
Rep. Charlie Meier proudly serves the people of the 109th District.