AARP Illinois

Chicago, IL. – Illinois consumers, businesses, cities and state taxpayers all could score a big win in the 2018 Illinois legislative session if state Senate leaders allow a vote on legislation to rein in unpredictable, skyrocketing prices in generic and off-patent medications, according to AARP Illinois and the former mayor of a northern Illinois city recently featured on “60 Minutes.”

Springfield, Ill. – As key legislation to stop generic prescription-drug price-gouging appears stalled in the state Senate, pressure is growing on Senate leaders to allow a fast up-or-down vote on the bill.

Good morning. I am Ryan Gruenenfelder, Director of Advocacy & Outreach for AARP Illinois. I want to share my own personal story as an example why this legislation is needed. In 1977, when I was 2 years old, I was given a peanut butter cookie when it was unbeknownst to anyone I was allergic to peanuts. I went into anaphylactic shock and became unable to breathe. Fortunately, my caregiver was able to rush me to the hospital in Sparta, Illinois quickly enough for those in the ER to save my life. From that point forward throughout my childhood, my parents constantly had epi-pens in their cars and in the house in case it became necessary to try to save my life once again. I cannot imagine the pain and fear my parents felt that day, and I feel fortunate they were able to have access to the life-saving drug I needed to protect me. That same drug recently saw a 508% increase in price according to a GAO study. Today’s children may not be as fortunate as I was in the 1970s.

Springfield, Ill. – AARP Illinois issued the following statement Wednesday calling for an up-or-down vote soon in the Illinois Senate on HB 4900, which could push Illinois to the forefront of national efforts to rein in surprise price gouging that can lead to massive increases in the cost of specific prescription drugs.

Springfield, Ill. – More than 95 Springfield area residents applauded Thursday evening as AARP Illinois and NPR Illinois launched a statewide tour of forums aimed at finding lasting solutions to a years-long state fiscal crisis that, despite some encouraging signs, is still hurting citizens, businesses and the state’s future.

One in five women will get Alzheimer’s disease in their lifetime. For men, it’s one in ten. Understanding this difference in gender and Alzheimer’s disease is the subject of much research and debate. Some theories include the loss of protective estrogen after menopause and the simple fact that women, in general, live longer lives than men. (Age is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s.)

AARP is offering classes in Peoria to help central Illinois residents use smartphones and tablets more effectively. The courses can help members and their guests take better photos and use their devices to keep in touch with family and friends or search for jobs online.

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AARP leaders and volunteers from Illinois and across the nation traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress on Wednesday, April 25 th urging Congressional leaders to make permanent the medical expense tax deduction threshold of 7.5 percent, maintain SNAP funding in the Farm bill, and to show their commitment to family caregiving by joining the Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) caucus.

Springfield, Ill. – AARP Illinois issued the following statement Friday thanking the state House of Representatives for voting 65-38 for HB 4900, a proposal to require generic drug companies to justify drastic increases in price to the state Attorney General.