Murphy law combats prescription medication shortages

SPRINGFIELD - Relief from drug shortages is coming soon for Illinoisans with prescription medications, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

"No one wants to have to call every pharmacy in their area just to see if their medication is in stock. This process takes precious time, and some pharmacies won't give out that information over the phone," said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). "What's worse is when generic medication is unavailable while brand-name medication is, the patient's insurance often times won't cover it. This can result in patients paying tens or hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket just to maintain their health."

Murphy's measure will require group health insurance and managed care plans to cover brand-name prescription drugs if the generic drug is unavailable during a nationwide shortage.

Last summer, there were 309 ongoing drug shortages in the United States, marking the highest number in a decade. Among the medications affected are those used to treat cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and asthma. Insurance companies will typically cover either the generic or the brand-name medication, but rarely both. During shortages, patients whose insurance only covers the generic drug are given the option to purchase the brand-name medication at many times the normal cost.

"Ensuring coverage for brand-name medication when generic alternatives aren't available is a vital step toward increasing access to affordable health care," Murphy said. "By providing coverage for these medications, we prevent patients from facing barriers to essential treatments, allowing them to receive the care they need without undue financial burden."

Senate Bill 2672 was signed into law by the governor on Friday. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

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