Congressman Krishnamoorthi Highlights Rising Costs Facing Families Across Downstate Illinois

EAST ST. LOUIS / CHAMPAIGN-URBANA / NORMAL, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) launched his Illinois affordability tour yesterday with stops across the state to highlight how rising costs and federal funding cuts are hitting Illinois families — and to press for solutions that lower everyday expenses and protect opportunity.

“Across Illinois, families are paying more for everyday essentials – prescriptions, groceries, and more – while this administration cuts community institutions and family support systems,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “From East St. Louis to Champaign-Urbana to Normal, I’m fighting these abrupt, often politically motivated cuts that do nothing but hurt our families. Affordability and opportunity shouldn’t depend on where you live in our state or the temperament of the President on any given day.”

In East St. Louis, Krishnamoorthi met with pharmacists and staff at an independent community pharmacy to discuss how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) inflate prescription drug prices, reimburse pharmacies below cost, and restrict patient choice—putting access to care at risk in underserved communities. In addition, local pharmacies are working to help patients navigate a changing health care system due to Trump's Medicaid cuts and the expiration of ACA tax credits.

“We’ve been caring for our community since 1985, and we intend to continue for many years to come,” said Chandler Welby, Chief Operating Officer of Medicate Pharmacy in East St. Louis. “PBM reform is critical to ensuring we can keep providing our patients with the care they need and deserve.”

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