Illinois Implements Laws To Oversee PBMs & Ban Health Plan Use Of Prior Authorization For Outpatient & Partial Hospitalization Mental Health Services 

Illinois has two new laws going into effect on January 1, 2026, that are anticipated to improve access to medications and services. One, House Bill (HB) 1697, the Prescription Drug Affordability Act, sets new requirements on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to manage pricing and to prevent what the Governor’s office called predatory practices. The other, HB 3019, the Healthcare Protection Expansion Act, will prevent commercial and Medicaid health plans from imposing prior authorization requirements for outpatient and partial hospitalization mental health services. The provisions of HB 3019 complement a 2024 initiative to ban step therapy for psychotropic medications and . . .