Gov. Pritzker Announces $25 Million to Strengthen Pharmacy Access Across Illinois

State investment supports more than 430 pharmacies to expand access in rural and underserved communities across Illinois

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) announced $24.7 million in funding for 434 entities through the Illinois Pharmacy Support Program, an initiative to strengthen access to pharmacy services across Illinois. The program was designed to assist pharmacies around the state most at risk of closure or financial strain, particularly those serving in rural areas, low-income communities, or populations with limited access to health care.

"Local pharmacies are often one of the most accessible and affordable points of care for working families, seniors, and Medicaid patients - providing medications, vaccinations, and trusted health care services," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With pharmacies facing growing financial pressures, Illinois is stepping up to strengthen and support these critical providers and ensure working families across the state continue to receive the care they rely on close to home."

"Every Illinoisan deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "Community pharmacies play a vital role in closing healthcare gaps by providing convenient access to medications, vaccinations, and essential health services. This funding helps preserve those critical access points and advances our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable Illinois. By investing in pharmacies that serve as trusted community anchors, we are helping ensure families across our state can continue to access the care they need, close to home."

Every eligible pharmacy that applied received the same amount of $56,892 to ensure support for pharmacies that serve as essential health care access points in their communities. The 434 pharmacies receiving funding span almost all of Illinois' 102 counties, underscoring the program's broad statewide reach. The full list of recipients can be found here.

"The Illinois Pharmacy Support Program is providing assistance in communities that need it most," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Whether in a rural area or a town with limited health care access, Illinoisans will have an easier time finding pharmacy services as their pharmacies receive support through this program."

"Community pharmacies are vital to the health care system, especially in rural and underserved communities across the state," said IRMA president and CEO Rob Karr. "IRMA is proud to partner with Governor Pritzker and DCEO to support Illinois pharmacies as they continue providing medications, vaccinations, and trusted care."

The program provides flexible funding to pharmacies to meet their individual needs, which includes supporting existing operations, as well as initiatives such as expanded pharmacy hours, telepharmacy services, remote consultations, and medication delivery to help residents overcome barriers to care. In addition, pharmacies will strengthen patient outreach and care coordination efforts, helping more Illinoisans access the medications, resources, and support they need to improve their health.

"For decades, Sav Mor Pharmacy has proudly served the Virden community from the same location we have occupied since the late 1970s. While we have continued to meet the needs of our patients, limitations with parking, the lack of a drive-through, and space constraints have made it difficult to expand the services our community deserves," said David Falk, President, Sav Mor Pharmacies. "At the same time, Pharmacy Benefit Manager reimbursement practices have hindered independent pharmacies looking to grow and invest in their future. Through the leadership of Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Pharmacists Association, and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, this pharmacy support program is providing Illinois pharmacies with the tools and resources needed not only to survive, but to thrive. Thanks to this support, we have partnered with Carlinville Hospital to construct a new 3,500-square-foot facility adjacent to the new Virden Clinic. The new pharmacy will employ additional staff and feature ample parking, modern technology, a drive-through, and expanded space to offer additional goods and services to the community. This project would not have been possible without the vision and commitment of Governor Pritzker and his administration."

Eligible entities were evaluated on an individual basis, and funding was made available to pharmacies that met one or more of the following criteria, including:

"Once again, the State of Illinois is stepping up with another program to benefit Illinois families," said Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "With representation in nearly every county throughout Illinois, the Pharmacy Support Program will boost health care access by helping more than 430 pharmacies across Illinois."

"Every Illinoisan should have access to quality health care in their community, and Illinois' Pharmacy Support Program is bolstering access to this essential service," said Leader Bob Morgan (D-Highwood). "I'm thrilled to see the $25 million in State funding being distributed to pharmacies throughout Illinois."

Today's announcement builds on Governor Pritzker's broader efforts to improve affordability and expand access to health care for Illinois families. Earlier this year, Gov. Pritzker announced that Illinois has erased more than $1.1 billion in medical debt for over half a million Illinoisans across all 102 counties through the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program. Last year, Governor Pritzker also signed the Prescription Drug Affordability Act and the Healthcare Protection Expansion Act to hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable, increase transparency, help lower prescription drug costs for consumers, and strengthen protections for patients across Illinois.