Illinois Residents Push for Prescription Drug Affordability Board

Citizen Action Illinois advocates for new state agency to address rising medication costs.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Anusha Thotakura of the advocacy group Citizen Action Illinois is leading a push for the state to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The goal is to address the growing problem of Illinois residents being forced to ration life-saving medications due to unaffordable prices.

Why it matters

Prescription drug costs have become a major financial burden for many Illinois families, leading some to make difficult choices about whether they can afford to take their full dosage of critical medications. A Prescription Drug Affordability Board could help regulate prices and ensure greater access to affordable treatments.

The details

Citizen Action Illinois is advocating for the state legislature to create a new Prescription Drug Affordability Board. This independent state agency would have the authority to review and set upper payment limits on the cost of certain high-priced prescription drugs. The goal is to make essential medications more affordable and accessible for all Illinois residents.

  • Citizen Action Illinois has been pushing for the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board since early 2026.

The players

Citizen Action Illinois

A non-profit advocacy group focused on healthcare affordability and access issues in Illinois.

Anusha Thotakura

A representative of Citizen Action Illinois who is leading the push for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

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What they’re saying

“We must stop the dangerous trend of residents rationing life-saving medication due to unaffordable prices.”

— Anusha Thotakura, Representative, Citizen Action Illinois (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The Illinois state legislature is expected to consider a bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the upcoming legislative session.

The takeaway

Addressing the high cost of prescription drugs has become a critical issue for many Illinois families. The proposed Prescription Drug Affordability Board could help regulate prices and ensure greater access to affordable treatments across the state.