Stadelman passes bill to give pharmacists leeway in providing low-cost drugs
Legislation that would allow pharmacists to tell consumers about less expensive options for prescription drugs has been passed out of the Illinois Senate by State Senator Steve Stadelman. Senate Bill 1557 removes the so-called “gag rule” on pharmacists that prevents them from telling patients they could save money on prescriptions by paying cash, rather than using their health insurance, or by using generic drugs.
“A pharmacist should be able to tell you that $20 prescription could only cost you $8 if you pay by cash,” Stadelman said. “Needlessly charging Illinoisans more for their prescriptions by keeping them in the dark is not defensible.
The “gag rule,” permissible under current Illinois law, usually is a clause that is inserted into contracts by pharmacy benefit managers to muzzle druggists.
"Unfortunately, your local neighborhood pharmacist can’t even tell you if there are cheaper alternatives available to you,” Stadelman said. “By freeing them up, we can hopefully save people some of their hard earned money.”
The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House of Representatives
Stadelman advances measure to help children of fallen officers afford college
The children of officers killed in the line of duty will be eligible for a scholarship to the University of Illinois under legislation passed by State Senator Steve Stadelman. Under current law, each county in the state is entitled to one scholarship to the University for the children of veterans of certain wars and conflicts. Senate Bill 457 would add the children of fallen police officers to the list of eligible recipients.
“When officers are killed in the line of duty, their families are often left with many burdens,” Stadelman said. “This legislation recognizes that and sends a message to those families that the state will do what it can to help.”
Stadelman was moved to introduce the legislation by the death of McHenry County Sherriff’s Deputy Jacob Keltner, who was killed in early March while serving an arrest warrant at a hotel in Rockford. Keltner’s funeral was attended by about 3,500 people, including uniformed police officers from around the country.
The proposal passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House of Representatives.
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Steve Stadelman
Congrats to World War II veteran Lowell Wagner who celebrated his 95th birthday today at the Boone County Veterans Assistance Commission! Lowell has another big moment to celebrate Thursday with his 39th wedding anniversary!! Also, great to see Boone County VAC Superintendent (and former Ch. 17 reporter) Robert Randall Ryder, Judge Joe Bruscato and VAC Asst. Supt. Elizabeth Carville.
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Lynn Rode Thank you for your service and happy happy 95th! Cheers!
And happy 39th anniversary. Enjoy.
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John Holt SALUTE SIR!
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Michelle L Anderson-Caples Happy birthday. Thank you for your service. Have a wonderful day.
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Jeri L Feldt THANK YOU FOR YOURSERVICE
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Robert Randall Ryder Always great to see you again Senator Stadelman!!! Thanks for stopping by to congratulate Lowell!!
Steve Stadelman is with Bill Riddle and 8 others.
Always fun at the RAMI Awards. Had the honor of announcing the winner of the People's Choice - Artist of the Year. Congrats to Shifty Shafer!
