On January 30, 2025, the Illinois Senate introduced SB0066, a legislative bill aimed at addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs within the state. The bill seeks to establish a framework for affordability reviews conducted by a newly formed Board, which will assess the financial impact of certain prescription drugs on state payers and the general public.

Key provisions of SB0066 include the requirement for drug manufacturers to provide detailed information regarding pricing, market concessions, and net product costs to facilitate these affordability reviews. Should the Board determine that a drug poses an affordability challenge, it will set an upper payment limit for that drug, which will apply to all purchases and reimbursements within the state. This limit is designed to ensure that essential medications remain accessible to Illinois residents.

The bill also stipulates that the Board's findings and decisions will be subject to public inspection, adhering to the Freedom of Information Act, although it allows manufacturers to continue marketing their products while under review. Notably, the Board is prohibited from using cost-effectiveness analyses that discriminate based on patient demographics, ensuring that all patients are treated equitably in terms of drug pricing.

Debate surrounding SB0066 has highlighted concerns from pharmaceutical companies regarding potential impacts on innovation and drug availability. Opponents argue that imposing payment limits could deter investment in new drug development, while proponents assert that the bill is a necessary step to combat the financial burden of high drug prices on consumers and state healthcare systems.

The implications of SB0066 are significant, as it could reshape the landscape of pharmaceutical pricing in Illinois. Experts suggest that if enacted, the bill may lead to lower drug costs for consumers and state programs, but it could also provoke legal challenges from the pharmaceutical industry. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its future remains uncertain, with potential amendments and further debates expected in the coming weeks.