Legislator files measure to address critical health issues

WHAT: In response to continued rising costs for specialty tier medications, State Representative Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) filed House Resolution 450 Tuesday that would require the Illinois Department of Insurance to study the impact of rising costs of specialty tier medications on chronically ill patients and to identify ways to lower the cost of specialty tier medications.

While the legislation is under consideration, Gordon is partnering with the Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois to address the concerns of community members and local organizations by hosting a forum discussing how to navigate the challenges and costs of specialty tier medications.

Tiers are often labeled “generic,” “preferred,” and “non-preferred” and each tier has a set amount that we are required to pay for the medication. In response to the increasing costs of specialty drugs, many health plans have instituted a fourth tier, called “specialty tier” that requires individuals to pay a percentage of the cost of the most expensive medications as opposed to a fixed amount.

Peoria area residents will hear from Dr. Dennis McManus from OSF St. Francis Medical Center and Heidi Koll-Pio from the Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois as they discuss the rising costs of specialty tier drugs and how this impacts individuals with chronic diseases.

WHO: State Representative Jehan Gordon; Dr. Dennis McManus, OSF St. Francis Medical Center; Heidi Koll-Pio, director of health promotions for the Arthritis Foundation, Greater Illinois Chapter, Peoria; and Peoria area community members

WHEN: Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Public check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Peoria Riverplex, 600 NE Water Street, Peoria