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.'
