BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Rachel Ventura co-hosted a Prescription Drug Affordability Board community town hall alongside Citizen Action Illinois and State Representative Dagmara Avelar on Thursday at the Levy Center, providing an opportunity for residents to give input about potential price capping of prescription drugs.

“We cannot continue to put profits over people and this legislation alleviates that. I highly encourage residents to give their feedback and ask their representatives about Prescription Drug Affordability Board as it directly impacts them,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Governments and corporations should be giving back to their communities and I want to support and carry legislation that does that.”

A series of town halls across the state have been put on by Citizen Action Illinois, giving residents, elected officials and medical professionals a space to ask and answer any questions surrounding House Bill 4472, the Health Care Availability and Access Board Act.

Under House Bill 4472, the Health Care Availability and Access Board would be created in Illinois, joining seven other states across the country.

The board would have the ability to place caps on what Illinoisans will pay for certain prescription drugs, ensuring that the net prices will not force individuals to pick between groceries or their medication.

“We need a policy that can adapt to the needs of Illinoisans and consistently push back against every cost-raising entity, which is where a Prescription Drug Affordability Board comes in,” said Ventura. “This board would not only increase transparency with manufacturers, but also effectively address the issue of prescription drug affordability at its root and across the pharmaceutical supply chain.”

Residents with questions about the proposal can contact Ventura’s district office at 331-290-0443 or on her website.