Pritzker signs bill to end step therapy for Alzheimer’s patients in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Starting next month, Alzheimer’s patients with state insurance in Illinois will have access to new FDA-approved treatment and medicine.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law on Tuesday that would eliminate “step therapy,” meaning patients will no longer have to try cheaper drugs before taking medication prescribed by their doctor.

Advocates for the law said it will save patients money.

David Olsen, of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, said, “Because these are expensive treatments where the average person doesn’t have access to them unless their insurance is going to pay for it whether that’s through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.”

The law will also cover diagnostic testing needed to confirm an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, beginning in 2027.