Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 14:31:19 -0600
From:
Hello MS Advocates:
Thanks to everyone who called and emailed your state senator on the revenue committee! SB293, which will add multiple sclerosis medications to the Pharmaceutical assistance Act (circuit breaker) passed unanimously out of the Senate
Revenue committee. We extend our thanks to the lead sponsors, Senators Christine Radogno and Barak Obama. The bill will now go to the full senate for a vote. We will let everyone know the date of that vote when we are notified.
Good news! HB1436 passed out of the revenue subcommittee. Two yes votes- Molaro & Biggins, and one present-Hannig.
Now it will go to the full revenue meeting Friday, February 28,2003 at
9:30am. We will need to make an all out effort to contact all the members of the
revenue committee! Below is the list of members and their districts:
Robert Molaro 21st
Mark Beaubien, Jr 52nd
Robert Biggins 41st
Barbara Flynn Currie 25th
Gary Hannig 98th
Lou Lang 16th
Carol Pankau 45th
Ed Sullivan Jr. 51st
Arthur L. Turner 9th
Thank You,
Maureen Howard
Please read the attached Action Alert
Issue: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. Among the important policy issues, affecting people sufferingfrom MS is the access to FDA approved drugs at an affordable price.
The Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief bill “CircuitBreaker” instituted in Illinois in 1972, provides tax relief to low-income seniors, and disabled people. Qualifying participants purchase pharmaceutical assistance coverage at a minimal cost, and receive prescription medication at a reducedrate through participating pharmacies.
Five reasons why Multiple Sclerosis needs to be added to "Circuit Breaker."
1) People 65 years and older or disabled, receiving Medicare and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, would benefit from the program.
2) More people with Multiple Sclerosis would have access to the drugs that reduce the risk of disability.
3) Access to these drugs, could increase the number of people with Multiple Sclerosis (many reliant on state benefits) returning to the work force.
4) The availability of drugs that slow the progression and treat the often disabling symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis should decrease the number of people accessing long-term care services as well as:
a) Ease the burden on these already limited state services
b) Save the state of Illinois revenue
c) Allow people to live with dignity in a community environment with their families and friends
5) People with Multiple Sclerosis like the general population have the right to be as healthy as possible. This promotes healthier families and better communities.
SUPPORT FOR SB293 AND HB1436 NEEDED
The Illinois General Assembly is currently considering expansion of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Assistance Program. Drugs to slow the progression and treat the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis can be and should be added to this program. But it can’t happen without your help.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP
1) Call, write or email your state representative and senator and ask them to add drugs covering Multiple Sclerosis to the list of prescription drugs covered by theprogram.
Sample script:
“Hello, is representative/senator __________ there?”
“Representative/Senator _______________, I am (state your name) calling to ask your help to increase access to prescription drugs for people with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a progressive and often disabling disease that can in many cases be slowed by the use of disease modifying drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs are expensive. Many who could benefit from these drugs and medications, which treat the sometimes-disabling symptoms, don’t receive them because they do not have prescription drug insurance coverage. As a result, the disease progresses causing increasingly greater disability until full time nursing care is required. We are asking the General Assembly for help by expanding the Illinois Pharmaceutical Assistance Program to cover prescription drugs for MS. Please vote in support of House Bill 1436 and Senate Bill 293. Can you help us?”
If yes, “Thank you so much.”
If unsure, “Can I send you further information on the issue?”
If no, “Can I ask why you are opposed?”
2) If you do not know your legislators, check the Illinois Board of Elections?7; website at www.elections.state.il.us or call the MS office at 1-800-922-0484.
3) Ask your friends and family to also call or write their legislators.
Call 1-800-922-0484.
The Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information about multiple sclerosis. Our comments are based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion, but do not represent therapeutic recommendation or prescription. For specific information and advice, consult a qualified physician.
Celestine Willis
Independence Program Specialist
NMSS Greater Illinois Chapter
910 W Van Buren
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 423-1128 direct
(312) 421-4544 Fax