GRAYSLAKE – Illinoisans with diabetes will receive relief from skyrocketing insulin prices at the turn of the year thanks to a measure co-sponsored by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake). 

“No person should be forced to skip a meal or default on their mortgage just to be able to afford a medication they need to live,” Bush said. “The cap on rising insulin costs will protect people with diabetes and their families.”

Senate Bill 667 — which takes effect Jan. 1 — caps patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has risen sharply in recent years, driving many patients to give up other daily needs to pay for insulin or to ration their supply.

“People will no longer have to take shortcuts or seek out other ways to get their hands on insulin,” Bush said. “The days of prescription drug companies prioritizing profit over people must come to an end — and that starts with this new law.” 

The measure makes Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

GRAYSLAKE – Following the announcement that Region 9 – which makes up Lake and McHenry Counties – will see increased COVID-19 restrictions, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding everyone the importance of the three Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

“Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is something we, as Illinoisans and Lake County residents, are familiar with and know how to do,” Bush said. “It’s important to continue our efforts to mask up, participate in common hygiene practices and not gather in large groups.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that resurgence mitigation measures will be put into place at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Mitigation measures include no indoor service at bars and restaurants, required reservations for each party, and social gatherings limited to 25 people or 25% of overall room capacity.

Bush is reminding Lake County residents that loosening those restrictions in the near future is as simple as following the guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the summer months.

Additionally, she urges anyone – regardless of symptom or exposure – to take advantage of a number of additional free COVID-19 testing sites coming to the area, including two this weekend. People can get tested Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Libertyville High School, located at 708 W. Park Ave. or Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Deerfield High School, located at 1959 Waukegan Rd.

“It is important to keep doing what we do best in Lake County, and that’s putting our neighbors and loved ones first,” Bush said. “Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19.”

GRAYSLAKE – As a steadfast advocate for addressing the state’s growing opioid crisis and creator of the Prescription Drug Task Force, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is pleased to learn the state has been given $36 million to continue to fight the epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic is a serious and complicated issue that only continues to get worse,” Bush said. “These funds are a great step toward fighting the crisis, but there’s so much more work that needs to be done."

Illinois received $36.7 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis – specifically because of issues arising in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will expand prevention, treatment, recovery and overdose response initiatives across the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed vulnerable populations – especially those with opioid use disorders,” Bush said.

The programs receiving funding will bring critical services to help people with opioid use disorder, assist those on a path to recovery, provide emergency lifesaving medication for people experiencing an opioid overdose, and deliver a prevention and support message across the state.

Bush has worked to address Illinois’ growing opioid crisis since first entering the General Assembly. Most notably, she passed a package of proposals in 2018 that, among other things, created a pilot program to treat youth and young adults with substance use disorders and allowed law enforcement agencies to develop and implement deflection programs that offer alternatives to jail for individuals suffering with substance abuse.

Ahead of the upcoming legislative session, Bush is meeting with advocacy organizations and other legislators to look at potential measures to combat the opioid crisis.

People who are experiencing problems with substance use disorder, should call the state’s Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP – 1-833-234-6343, text “HELP” to 833234, or visit HelplineIL.org.

STATE OF ILLINOIS COVID-19 WEBSITE

• The State of Illinois has created a website to centralize information about COVID-19’s spread in Illinois and what programs / services are available for affected residents and businessowners. Please visit www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus for all information relating to the virus.

STATE OF ILLINOIS COVID-19 HOTLINE NUMBER

• If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, please call the hotline number: (800) 889-3931

STAY AT HOME ORDER EXTENDED TO APRIL 30th

• On advice of public health officials, Governor Pritzker announced today that the stay at home executive order would be extended through April 30th, 2020

GOING OUTDOORS

• It is strongly recommended that if you need to leave your home and go outdoors, you wear a bandana or mask across your nose and mouth for an additional layer of protection.
• With the arrival of warmer weather, many of us will seek outdoor exercise. Public health officials in Illinois and across the country encourage you to continue practicing social distancing while exercising, and remember to wash your hands and avoid touching your face. It is also recommended you wear a face mask or face covering if possible.
• Lake County Forest Preserves remain open from 6:30 am to sunset during the COVID-19 pandemic, but public buildings, playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Visit www.lcfpd.org for the latest information.

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