Legal Updates

New Aging & Caregiving Laws

Anti-Discrimination for Caregivers

Effective January 1, 2025

An amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act now protects workers with family responsibilities, such as caring for children, loved ones with disabilities, or aging parents. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2161 in August 2024, making a difference for the 1.5 million family caregivers in Illinois. The law makes discrimination or harassment based on these responsibilities a civil rights violation. Though men and women serve as caregivers, most are women and people of color, who often work low-wage jobs. Illinois is the sixth state to enact family responsibilities protections.

Illinois’ Aging Plan

Due December 2025

Governor J.B. Pritzker in August 2024 signed an executive order to create a plan on aging and caregiving in the state. The plan will also address the needs of people with disabilities. The chief planning officer (a new position in the state’s Department on Aging) will lead the plan’s development and implementation across multiple sectors. The AARP, Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and more endorsed the executive order. The plan’s development will bring together more than a dozen government agencies, as well as create opportunities for the public to weigh in on goals and services.

Lower Drug Prices

Effective 2026 for people with Medicare Part D

Medicare has successfully negotiated lower prices on 10 prescription drugs so far, which is projected to save beneficiaries $1.5 billion in 2026, in out-of-pocket costs. The Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed into law, made it possible for the first time ever for Medicare to negotiate drug prices. The medications, which cut their prices between 38% and 79% are: Eliquis, Enbrel, Entresto, Farxiga, Fiasp and NovoLog products for diabetes, Imbruvica, Januvia, Jardiance, Stelara, and Xarelto.

Originally published in the Winter/Spring 2025 print issue