CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is highlighting a new law he helped pass that reduces prescription drug costs, increases accountability for pharmacy middlemen, known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and delivers vital support to both rural and medically underserved pharmacies across the 114th District.
Representative Kevin Schmidt 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 PBMs. The law will help reduce prescription drug costs for Illinois families while strengthening and protecting locally owned pharmacies.
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“Illinois residents in rural and medically underserved communities in my district depend on local pharmacies for healthcare services,” said Schmidt. “This new law holds pharmacy middlemen accountable and raises funds for grants to help pharmacies stay open and continue serving patients."
The law establishes a grant program funded through fees on pharmacy benefit managers, which are companies that negotiate prescription drug benefits and often steer patients toward pharmacies they own or control. The grants help pharmacies remain financially stable and continue providing care in rural and underserved communities.
Pharmacies in St. Clair County serving residents of the 114th District receiving grant funding include:
- Walgreen Drug Store #03136 - Cahokia
- Walgreen Drug Store #04602 - East Saint Louis
- Medicate Pharmacy - Cahokia Heights
- Medicate Pharmacy - East St. Louis
- Freeburg Country Mart - Freeburg
- Dauber Pharmacy - Mascoutah
- Millstadt Pharmacy - Millstadt
- Smithton Pharmacy - Smithton
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.
For more information, please contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (618)-215-1050, or his website, repschmidt.com
Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County.
