By AP/KWMU
Springfield, ILL. – A lobby group for pharmacists in Illinois says many independent pharmacies have stopped accepting new Medicaid customers because the state of Illinois isn't paying its bills fast enough.
The state reimburses pharmacies when Medicaid patients buy prescriptions, but shortfalls have delayed those payments.
The Illinois Pharmacists Association says the average amount owed to pharmacies is $181,000.
Two-thirds of the pharmacies surveyed say they have borrowed money to make ends meet while waiting for state payment.