State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, recently passed a measure clarifying existing legislation regarding the new Illinois Cares Rx prescription drug assistance program.
Until now, the law provided coverage (payment of premiums and other individual cost-sharing) for persons with HIV/AIDS whose special prescription drugs were not being covered under the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). House Bill 1257, which Feigenholtz sponsored, adds full or ‘wraparound’ coverage for persons with HIV/AIDS who are over 65 years old or otherwise eligible for the federal Medicare Part D program.
ADAP, administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, serves over 3,000 residents with HIV/AIDS monthly by making prescription drugs affordable. These individuals must meet a set of standards regarding income levels and insurance coverage.
‘I believe this [law] makes eligibility standards more sensible and well-defined, which is what Illinois residents expect from their state government,’ Feigenholtz said in a statement. ‘The drug assistance programs are helping a lot of people who need it and I’m confident this clarification to the law will allow Illinoisans to continue getting the most out of the ADAP program.’