SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) commends Governor JB Pritzker for his continued leadership and commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare across Illinois. His focus on reducing the cost of care, relieving medical debt, and strengthening the healthcare delivery system reflects a clear understanding of the challenges facing patients and providers alike. These priorities align closely with the mission of community health centers, which serve as the primary source of care for more 1.5 million Illinoisans living in underserved urban and rural communities.
“We are encouraged by the Governor’s efforts to make healthcare more affordable for working families and to invest in programs that expand access to essential services statewide. Community health centers are on the front lines of delivering primary, preventive, and behavioral health services, and state support for affordability and access directly strengthens their ability to meet growing patient needs and address persistent health disparities.
“In alignment with the Governor’s call to lower costs for families across Illinois, IPHCA is advancing HB 2371 SAM2 — the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act. Far too many seniors, working families, and individuals living with chronic conditions are burdened by extreme medication prices. No one should ever have to choose between filling a prescription and paying their bills. HB 2371 SAM2 has already passed the Senate to protect the 340B program. We now urge the House to call this bill to the floor and move it forward without delay. Illinois families cannot afford to wait.
“IPHCA looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor and the General Assembly to advance policies that sustain and strengthen Illinois’ community health center network, ensuring that every resident – regardless of income, zip code, or insurance status – can access high-quality, comprehensive care.”
ABOUT IL PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
IPHCA is a non-profit trade association that represents community health centers throughout the state. Illinois’ 55 community health centers provide comprehensive, integrated primary care including medical, behavioral, and oral health care to roughly 1.5 million patients annually across more than 450 service sites in underserved rural, urban, and suburban communities. Learn more at www.iphca.org.