SB 709 would increase health care costs by restricting lower-cost pharmacy options Illinois small businesses and their employees rely on, like home delivery and specialty pharmacies. Individuals rely on home delivery as a convenient, affordable way to get their prescriptions. Patients suffering from severe health conditions need specialty pharmacies to access and afford the medications they need, medications that oftentimes require special safety and quality measures. SB 709 would undercut access to these pharmacies.

Too many Illinois residents already struggle to afford their health care and SB 709 would add a $170 million annual health care tax through a new per-person insurance fee, increasing health care costs for patients and families across the state. SB 709 would increase government red tape for employers, making it harder for them to offer quality, affordable health benefits for their employees and their families.

SB 709 would make it more difficult for Illinois employers, especially small businesses, to stay competitive in the job market by replacing freedom and flexibility to design health benefits that work best for their needs with government mandates increasing their costs.