HEALTH CARE COSTS ACT

Creates the Protection Against Unnecessary Health Care Costs Act. Requires the State Comptroller to establish the Drug Discount Card Program to be made available for all residents of this State. Requires the Department of Insurance to report to the General Assembly and to the Governor recommendations for establishing an outreach and education program to inform licensed physicians on when a drug patent will expire and become available in generic form, and when generic alternatives exist for drugs whose patent recently expired. Provides that on and after October 1, 2025, a pharmaceutical manufacturer that employs an individual to perform the duties of a pharmaceutical sales representative shall register annually with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as a pharmaceutical marketing firm. Provides that each pharmaceutical marketing firm shall provide to the Department a list of all individuals employed by the pharmaceutical marketing firm as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Sets forth provisions concerning registration; registration fees; discipline of pharmaceutical marketing firms; the Department posting a list of all individuals employed by the pharmaceutical marketing firm as a pharmaceutical sales representative; and reports by pharmaceutical marketing firms to the Department. Requires the Department of Public Health to report to the General Assembly and the Governor, an analysis of pharmacy benefit managers' practices of prescription drug distribution. Requires the Department of Public Health to prepare a list of not more than 10 outpatient prescription drugs that the Director of Public Health, in the Director's discretion, determines are provided at substantial cost to the State or critical to public health. Requires the pharmaceutical manufacturer of an outpatient prescription drug included on that list to provide specified information to the Department of Public Health. Sets forth provisions concerning hearings; violations of the Act by health care facilities; civil penalties; and a report of the utilization management and provider payment practices of Medicare Advantage plans. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Requires a health care facility to post notice of its intent to file an application for a certificate of need. Effective immediately.

• Camille Y. LillyD