Affordability board can help control medicine costs

I am a healthcare professional specializing in Primary Care with 20 years of service. As a resident of South Barrington, I have had the privilege of providing care to countless of our fellow neighbors. Through my service, I have also witnessed the harsh realities within our healthcare system that keep my patients from accessing the care they need.

The reality of patients having to cut pills in half or skip vital medications due to rising drug costs is both dangerous and disheartening. I vividly recall one patient who could not afford his insulin and was trying to get it from another country; when he was unable to obtain it, he landed in the hospital with life-threatening hyperglycemia. I wish this were unique, but a recent poll showed that over half of Illinoisans are worried about affording their prescription medication.

As a medical professional, there is only so much that I can do to help my patients if the treatment I recommend is too expensive for them to afford. But this session, Illinois legislators have the opportunity to take action on rising drug costs by establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB).

A PDAB will comprise an independent group of healthcare experts to review the affordability of certain high-priced prescription drugs and establish reasonable limits for Illinoisans that will apply throughout the entire supply chain.

As a healthcare professional, it is abundantly clear that immediate action is required to guarantee Illinoisans access to the medications they need. I wholeheartedly support the creation of a PDAB, not only for the sake of my patients but for the well-being of our neighbors and all Illinoisans. I urge you to join me in the same.

Shazia Ahmed Khan

South Barrington