SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk could help lower drug prices by regulating 340B contracts.

The 340B drug pricing program was created in 1992 to improve access to care at safety-net hospitals and clinics. It helps low-income and uninsured patients get critical medications, but state hospital leaders believe Big Pharma has limited access to medications, as 340Bs can only sign one pharmaceutical contract.

The bipartisan bill could stop a company from setting restrictions on a contract unless the limit is required by state or federal law. 

"During a time when the federal government is cutting funding for healthcare for families across the state, we should be doing everything we can to bring vital resources to support patients and their healthcare providers — resources like 340B that cost nothing to taxpayers or the state of Illinois," said Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin). 

Opponents of the plan said there is no evidence Illinoisans are benefiting from the 340B program, and reforms will not change that. Some faith leaders argue this legislation will just put more money into the pockets of hospital CEOs.

"Regardless of the fact of who thinks that this should be pushed forward, we the people are speaking up," said Pastor Dr. Randall White from the Healthcare Equity and Affordability Alliance. "We believe that we need more transparency. The hospitals are getting big discounts, but it’s not touching the hands of those who need it the most." 

Yet, the measure would require 340Bs to provide annual reports listing costs of drugs taken under the program, the number of drug claims and the impact of the program for the community. 

House Bill 2371 passed out of the House on a 113-1 vote June 1. The proposal previously received unanimous support from the Senate on May 25, 2025.

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America told WAND News large tax-exempt hospitals and their for-profit partners are exploiting the 340B program, buying medicines at steep discounts and marking them up by thousands of dollars.

"Across the country and here in Illinois, 340B is driving up costs for patients, taxpayers and employers instead of ensuring that these savings reach those who need them most," said PhRMA senior director of public affairs Will May. "PhRMA will continue working with policymakers to advance solutions that protect patients." 

Lawmakers also passed legislation in the final days of session to provide more transparency surrounding the program. House Bill 4327 requires the Illinois Department of Insurance to audit the 340B program to better understand how much money healthcare facilities are earning and how those funds are used. 

That plan passed unanimously out of the Senate and received a 106-8 vote in the House. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.