The Pharmacy Choice and Access Now coalition has announced its launch in Illinois in order to help "preserv[e] access to quality and affordable healthcare."

Here's more on the formation of the coalition of pharmacists, consumers and local businesses from a press release:

PCAN aims to provide a voice to patients, healthcare providers and pharmacists throughout the state, while also maintaining quality, accessible care for pharmacy consumers on Medicaid and beyond.

On July 15, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) proposed a reduction to the critical reimbursement that community-based pharmacies receive for the cost of drugs while serving Medicaid patients. "Community pharmacies and other Medicaid providers have already withstood the brunt of cuts made to the Illinois budget. We understand times are tough, but the way back to fiscal health for Illinois should not come at the expense of the health of Illinois' most vulnerable," stated Todd Evers, president-elect of the Illinois Pharmacists Association. "The proposed Medicaid reductions add insult to injury for Illinois' citizens currently served by the program and come at a time when Medicaid is on the verge of a nationwide expansion."

This proposed cut to community-based pharmacies poses a threat to Medicaid patients' ability to access essential pharmacy care and comes as twenty percent of seniors and people with disabilities are set to lose state-sponsored prescription drug coverage through Illinois Cares Rx on September 1, 2011. PCAN is calling upon legislative leaders and the elected members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to reject the proposed rule before its implementation results in further damage to Illinois' economy and reduces or eliminates access to care for citizens who have the greatest needs.

"Community-based pharmacies like mine employ over 35,000 in Illinois and contribute nearly $400 million in tax revenue to the state of Illinois and now the Department of Healthcare and Family Services is proposing a cut of nearly $50 million," said Anthony Sartoris, President of Doc's Drugs. "These cuts may impede the ability for me to provide prescription drugs to Medicaid patients in our communities who rely on our services."

Community-based pharmacies offer the greatest access to affordable and basic health services to underserved populations. PCAN hopes to work with elected leaders and JCAR to push for rejection of the proposed reduction of reimbursements in an effort to preserve consumer choice and access and protect Illinois jobs and pharmacy.