LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
May 7, 2018
The following are disability-related bills and/or issues pending in the Illinois General Assembly that are scheduled to be heard in committee during the week of May 7, 2018:
House Human Services Committee
May 9, 2018, 9:00 a.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
HR 834, Representative Bill Mitchell
Encourages the Department of Human Services to reinstate the ABAWD work requirements for SNAP.
SB 2446, Representative Natalie A. Manley
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to reimburse psychiatrists and federally qualified health centers for mental health services provided by advanced practice registered nurses certified in psychiatric and mental health nursing to medical assistance recipients via telepsychiatry.
SB 2835, Representative Nick Sauer
Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. Repeals the Family Assistance Law for Children with Mental Disabilities Article of the Act.
House Judiciary-Civil Committee
May 9, 2018, 9:00 a.m.
Room 413, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2609, Representative Linda Chapa La Via
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Code concerning the administration of psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy, psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy may be administered pursuant to a power of attorney for health care under the Powers of Attorney for Health Care Law or a declaration for mental health treatment under the Mental Health Treatment Preference Declaration Act over the objection of the recipient if the recipient has not revoked the power of attorney or declaration for mental health treatment as provided in the relevant statute.
SB 2660, Representative Peter Breen
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that unless prohibited by federal law, upon the death of a designated beneficiary, proceeds from an ABLE account may be transferred to the estate of a designated beneficiary, or to an account for another eligible individual specified by the designated beneficiary or the estate of the designated beneficiary. Provides that an agency or instrumentality of the State may not seek payment under specified provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code from the account or its proceeds for benefits provided to a designated beneficiary. Amends the Trusts and Trustees Act. Provides that the court or a person with a disability may irrevocably assign resources of that person to either or both of: (i) an ABLE account; or (ii) a discretionary trust that complies with the Medicaid reimbursement requirements of federal law. Provides that “resources” includes, but is not limited to, any interest in real or personal property, judgment, settlement, annuity, maintenance, minor child support, and support for non-minor children. Provides that assignment is not authorized if otherwise prohibited by law. Provides that a court may reserve the right to determine the amount, duration, or enforcement of the irrevocable assignment.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee
May 9, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SB 454, Representative Laura Fine
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. With regard to individualized
education programs, provides that if a child’s individualized education program team determines that the child does not require assistive technology services or devices, the team shall include a statement in the child’s program that informs the child’s parent or guardian of the decision and the basis for the decision.
SB 3514, Representative Will Davis
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, in a school district with a population of more than 500,000 inhabitants, the principal and all school personnel who are regular members of an individualized education program team shall determine the special education staffing needs of the school based on individualized education program minutes, status of the school’s least restrictive environment, optimal scheduling protocols, and other relevant factors. Provides that once a staffing level is set, the school board shall provide full staffing for the school and shall fund the total cost of each position. Provides that the school board may not reduce the special education staffing levels of a school in which the general staffing levels are less than 90% of the State average. Provides that the school board may require more efficient staff scheduling if the scheduling does not impair or hinder any reasonable goals of the school’s general education program. Prohibits the school district from the use of any measure that would prevent or delay an individualized education program team from adding a service to the program or create a time restriction in which a service is prohibited from being added to the program. Makes other changes.
House Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Committee
May 9, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Room 122B, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2285, Representative Elizabeth Hernandez
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State may issue a one-time decal or device to any non-resident of this State who is a person with disabilities and who is displaced from another jurisdiction due to a national disaster as declared by the federal government. Provides proof requirements for the temporary decal or device. Provides that an applicant for a special parking decal that does not have an identification card or driver’s license number may use a valid identification number issued by a branch of the U.S. military or a federally issued Medicare or Medicaid identification number. Provides that the decal or device shall be valid for a period not to exceed 6 months.
House State Government Administration Committee
May 9, 2018, 3:00 p.m.
Room 122B, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 3075, Representative Michael Halpin
Amends the Children and Family Services Act, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act, and the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Departments of Children and Family Services, Human Services, Juvenile Justice, and Corrections shall submit quarterly reports electronically to the General Assembly on (1) the number of reported assaults on employees at each facility; (2) the number of reported incidents of resident sexual aggression towards employees at each facility including sexual assault, residents exposing themselves, sexual touching, and sexually offensive language; and (3) the number of employee injuries resulting from resident violence at each facility including descriptions of the nature of the injuries, the number of injuries requiring medical treatment at the facility, the number of injuries requiring outside medical treatment and the number of days off work per injury. Provides that each of these Departments shall: (1) establish a reasonable procedure for employees to report work-related assaults and injuries. A procedure is not reasonable if it would deter or discourage a reasonable employee from accurately reporting a workplace assault or injury; (2) inform each employee: (A) of the procedure for reporting work-related assaults and injuries; (B) of the right to report work-related assaults and injuries; and (C) that the Department is prohibited from discharging or in any manner discriminating against employees for reporting work-related assaults and injuries; and (3) not discharge, discipline, or in any manner discriminate against any employee for reporting a work-related assault or injury.
SB 3217, Representative Tom Demmer
Amends the Freedom of Information Act. To the list of exemptions under the Act, adds certain records that relate to or affect the security of detention facilities requested by persons who are committed to the Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health.
House Aging Committee
May 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2469, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Respite Program Act. In a provision requiring the Director of the Department on Aging to submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing the progress of the respite care services provided under the Act, provides that the report shall also include an estimate of the demand for respite care services over the next 10 years.
House Special Needs Services Committee
May 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Room 115, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 1453, Representative Michelle Mussman
Provides for the creation of a supported employees program by the Department of Central Management Services. Provides that the Director of Central Management Services shall develop and implement a supported employment program applying to all State agencies. Provides that the Director shall designate a liaison to work with the various State agencies and departments, and any funder or provider or both, in the implementation of a supported employment program. Provides that the Director, in consultation with the Secretary or Director of each State agency, shall establish job classifications for supported employees who may be appointed into the classifications without open competitive testing requirements. Provides that supported employees shall serve in a trial employment capacity for not less than 3, but no more than 12, months. Requires the Director to maintain a record of all individuals hired as supported employees, and submit an annual report to the General Assembly regarding the employment progress of supported employees, with recommendations for further legislative action. Provides that when appropriate, at the conclusion of the supported employee trial employment period, the supported employee shall be promoted into the position on a permanent full-time basis. Provides that an employer shall not hire a supported employee if such a hire would result in certain specified occurrences involving current employees of the employer and position vacancies. Provides that an employer who hires supported employees shall, at least 15 days prior to hiring such an employee, notify the applicable labor organization of the name, work location, and the duties to be performed by the supported employee. Provides that the Director of Central Management Services, in consultation with the Secretary or Director of each State agency, shall establish a grievance procedure for employees and labor organizations to utilize in the event of any alleged violation of specified provisions. Provides that a labor organization may utilize the established grievance or arbitration procedure in its collective bargaining agreement to contest any violation of those specified provisions.
SB 2265, Representative Frances Ann Hurley
Amends the Department of State Police Law. Requires the Department of State Police to compile and maintain an historic data repository relating to, among other missing persons, lost or missing individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, in order to develop and improve techniques utilized by law enforcement agencies when responding to reports of missing persons. Amends the Department of State Police Law. Requires the Department of State Police to compile and maintain an historic data repository relating to, among other missing persons, lost or missing individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, in order to develop and improve techniques utilized by law enforcement agencies when responding to reports of missing persons. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of State Police, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Human Serviced, shall develop and implement a community outreach program to promote awareness of the Endangered Missing Person Advisory among applicable entities. Amends the Missing Persons Identification Act. Provides that a “high-risk missing person” under the Act includes evidence that a person is at risk because he or she is a person having a developmental disability or a person having an intellectual disability. Makes conforming changes.
SB 3222, Representative Scott Drury
Amends the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Act. Provides for the appointment of 2 representatives of community-based organizations that provide or support competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board. Provides that the 2 representatives shall be individuals who self-identify as persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and who are engaged in advocacy for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Provides that if these persons require support in the form of reasonable accommodations in order to participate, such support shall be provided.
Senate Education Committee
May 8, 2018, 2:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 4226, Senator Kwame Raoul
Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall develop, publish, and disseminate a brochure to educate the general public on the effects of concussion in children and discuss how to look for concussion warning signs in children. The brochure shall be distributed free of charge by schools to any child or the parent or guardian of a child who may have sustained a concussion, regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred while the child was participating in an interscholastic athletic activity. Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall (rather than may) adopt rules governing concussion protocol under the Code, including, but not limited to, rules governing the informal or formal accommodation of a student who may have sustained a concussion during an interscholastic athletic activity.
HB 4369, Representative Chuck Weaver
Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop and maintain a handbook to be made available on its Internet website that provides guidance for pupils, parents or guardians, and teachers on the subject of dyslexia. Specifies handbook requirements. Provides that the State Board shall review the handbook once every 4 years to update, if necessary, the guidelines, educational strategies, or resources and services made available in the handbook.
Senate Public Health Committee
May 8, 2018, 2:00 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 5111, Senator Heather A. Steans
Creates the Behavioral Health Workforce Act. Creates the Behavioral Health Education Center, administered by a teaching or research State university, or both. Provides that the Center shall be operational on or before July 1, 2019. Provides that the Center shall: (1) provide funds for 2 additional medical residents in a State-based psychiatry program each year beginning July 1, 2019 until a total of 8 additional psychiatry residents are added in 2022; (2) provide funds for 5 one-year doctoral-level psychology internships, master social workers, and master level clinical professional counselors in this State within 12 months after the effective date of this Act and every year thereafter and increase the number of interns in the program to 10 within 36 months after the effective date of this Act. Provides that the interns shall be placed in communities so as to increase access to behavioral health services for patients residing in rural and underserved areas of this State; and (3) beginning July 1, 2020, develop 5 behavioral health interdisciplinary training sites each year until a total of 20 sites have been developed. Provides that 10 of the 20 sites shall be in counties with a population of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants. Requires the Center to perform other duties. Provides that no later than December 1 of every odd-numbered year, the Center shall prepare a report of its activities under the Behavioral Health Workforce Act. Provides that the report shall be filed electronically with the General Assembly and shall be provided electronically to any member of the General Assembly upon request.
Senate Judiciary Committee
May 8, 2018, 3:30 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 4754, Senator Scott M. Bennett
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that unless prohibited by federal law, upon the death of a designated beneficiary, proceeds from an ABLE account may be transferred to the estate of a designated beneficiary, or to an account for another eligible individual specified by the designated beneficiary or the estate of the designated beneficiary. Provides that an agency or instrumentality of the State may not seek payment under specified provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code from the account or its proceeds for benefits provided to a designated beneficiary. Amends the Trusts and Trustees Act. Provides that the court or a person with a disability may irrevocably assign resources of that person to either or both of: (i) an ABLE account; or (ii) a discretionary trust that complies with the Medicaid reimbursement requirements of federal law. Provides that “resources” includes, but is not limited to, any interest in real or personal property, judgment, settlement, annuity, maintenance, minor child support, and support for non-minor children. Provides that assignment is not authorized if otherwise prohibited by law. Provides that a court may reserve the right to determine the amount, duration, or enforcement of the irrevocable assignment.
HB 4867, Senator Dave Syverson
Amends the Guardians for Adults With Disabilities Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that the court may not appoint an individual the guardian of the person or estate of an adult with disabilities before the individual has disclosed to the court the number of adults with disabilities over which the individual is currently appointed as guardian. Provides that if the court determines that an individual is appointed guardian over more than 5 adults with disabilities, then the court shall issue an order directing the circuit court clerk to notify the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, in a form and manner prescribed by the Commission. Provides that the clerk shall notify the Commission no later than 7 days after the entry of the order. Exempts the Office of the State Guardian and public guardians from the new provisions. Provides that the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission shall maintain a list of all notifications it receives under the new provisions for reference by other agencies or units of government or the public.
HB 4949, Senator Heather A. Steans
Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any person to engage in misleading or false advertising or promotion that misrepresents the need to seek mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment outside of the State of Illinois. Requires any marketing, advertising, promotional, or sales materials directed to Illinois residents concerning mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment to (i) prominently display or announce the full physical address of the treatment program or facility; (ii) whether the treatment program or facility is licensed in the State of Illinois; (iii) whether the treatment program or facility has locations in Illinois; (iv) whether the services provided by the treatment program or facility are covered by an insurance policy issued to an Illinois resident; (v) whether the treatment program or facility is an in-network or out-of-network provider; and (vi) include a link to the Internet website for the Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse , or any successor State agency that provides information regarding licensed providers of services. Provides that such marketing materials must disclose that mental health disorder and substance use disorder treatment may be available at a reduced cost or for free for Illinois residents within the State of Illinois. Prohibits arrangements under which a patient seeking mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment is referred to a mental health disorder or substance use disorder treatment program or facility in exchange for a fee or other remuneration. Amends the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act. Provides that a violation of any provision of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a violation of the Act’s prohibition against fee splitting constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Senate Human Services Committee
May 8, 2018, 3:45 p.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 1443, Senator David Koehler
Creates the Right of Minors to Consent to Counseling Services or Psychotherapy on an Outpatient Basis Act. Removes from the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code the provisions about a minor 12 years of age or older requesting and receiving counseling services or psychotherapy on an outpatient basis. Places these provisions in the new Act. Provides that counseling services or psychotherapy provided under these provisions shall be provided in compliance with the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, or the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act (currently only under the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act or the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act). Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code to make conforming changes.
HB 3479, Senator Andy Manar
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In addition to other
specified actions required under the Code, requires a managed care community network that contracts with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish, maintain, and provide a fair and reasonable reimbursement rate to pharmacy providers for pharmaceutical services, prescription drugs and drug products, and pharmacy or pharmacist-provided services. Provides that the reimbursement methodology shall not be less than the current reimbursement rate utilized by the Department for prescription and pharmacy or pharmacist-provided services and shall not be below the actual acquisition cost of the pharmacy provider. Requires a managed care community network to ensure that the pharmacy formulary used by the managed care community network and its contract providers is no more restrictive than the Department’s pharmaceutical program.
HB 4665, Senator Melinda Bush
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Human Services shall implement a direct support professional credential pilot program to assist and attract persons into the field of direct support, advance direct support as a career, and professionalize the developmental disabilities field to promote workforce recruitment and retention efforts, advance skills and competencies, and further ensure the health, safety, and well-being of persons being served. Amends the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Defines “nursing or nursing-related services for pay”. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that a certified nursing assistant shall lose his or her certification status if he or she goes 24 consecutive months without performing nursing or nursing-related services for pay. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services shall jointly submit the necessary application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver or State Plan Amendment to allow remote monitoring and supports services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and seniors requiring in-home care, as a waiver reimbursable service. Provides that the application shall be submitted no later than September 30, 2018.
HB 4686, Senator Tim Bivins
Amends the Guardians For Adults With Disabilities Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that the court shall not appoint as guardian an employee of an agency that is directly providing residential services to the ward.
HB 4687, Senator Scott M. Bennett
Amends the Guardians for Adults With Disabilities Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that an adult child, spouse, adult grandchild, parent, or adult sibling (instead of an adult child) may petition for visitation privileges with the ward.
HB 5109, Senator Heather A. Steans
Creates the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program Act. Beginning on July 1, 2019, creates the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program to be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Provides that the program shall provide loan repayment assistance, subject to appropriation, to eligible mental health and substance use professionals practicing in a community mental health center in an underserved or rural federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. Provides that the Commission shall award a grant to each qualified applicant for a maximum of 4 years; specifies grant amounts and eligibility and work requirements.
HB 5463, Senator David Koehler
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that specific to the individual client assessment tool, each individual living in a community integrated living arrangement shall receive an annual client assessment. Provides that the annual client assessment shall be completed using the Health Risk Screening Tool. Provides that beginning January 1, 2019, each individual shall receive his or her annual client assessment via the web-based Health Risk Screening Tool. Provides that the Health Risk Screening Tool shall replace the current paper-based version of the assessment. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall make changes to the Illinois Administrative Code to correspond with this online version of the Health Risk Screening Tool.
HB 5636, Senator Paul Schimpf
Amends the Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act. Provides that the designated agency that administers the State plan to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities under the requirements of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act shall submit to the Department of Human Services an annual report to be made available to the public. Provides that the annual report shall include, but is not limited to: (1) how many visits were made by the designated agency to developmental disability facilities in the year preceding the report; (2) which community provider agencies or State-operated developmental centers were visited in the year preceding the report; and (3) the nature of each visit, such as meeting with residents and staff of the developmental disability facility, distributing written information to the developmental disability facility, or whether the visit was scheduled or unscheduled, Provides that the designated agency shall have access to community-integrated living arrangements for the purposes of meeting with residents and staff, informing them of services available from the agency, distributing written information about the agency and the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, conducting scheduled and unscheduled visits, and performing other activities designed to protect the rights of persons with developmental disabilities.
Joint Hearing of Senate Appropriations I and Senate Appropriations II Committees
May 9, 2018, 8:30 a.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SBJECT MATTER: The Governor’s FY 19 Cost-Saving Initiatives
- To file an electronic witness slip for subject matter hearing: Click
Senate Executive Committee
May 9, 2018, 2:30 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 2477, Senator Don Harmon
Amends the Election Code. Provides that no patient who has resided for less than 180 days in
any hospital or mental institution (rather than no patient of any hospital or mental institution) in the State shall by virtue of his or her abode at the hospital be deemed a resident or legal voter in an election district in which the hospital or mental institution is situated.
Senate Oversight of Medicaid Managed Care Committee
May 9, 2018, 4:00 p.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
HB 4096, Senator Heather A. Steans
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires Medicaid managed care organizations (rather than managed care entities) that provide services under the Code to use a pharmacy formulary that is no more restrictive by drug class than the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ preferred drug list (rather than the Department’s pharmaceutical program). Provides that beginning January 1, 2019 and continuing through January 1, 2022, the Department shall require each Medicaid managed care organization to list as preferred on the Medicaid managed care organization’s preferred drug list at least the same number, and no fewer, of drugs per drug class as are listed on the Department’s preferred drug list. Prohibits the Department from adopting any rules or policies that prohibit a Medicaid managed care organization from: (1) covering additional drugs that are not listed on the Department’s preferred drug list; (2) submitting all covered drugs listed on the Department’s preferred drug list and additional drugs covered by the Medicaid managed care organization as qualified encounters to be used for appropriate purposes; or (3) removing from the Medicaid managed care organization’s preferred drug list any prior approval requirements, step therapy, or other utilization controls applicable under the Department’s preferred list. Requires the Department to develop a standardized format for all Medicaid managed care organization preferred drug lists by January 1, 2019 and to allow Medicaid managed care organizations 6 months from the completion date of the standardized format to comply with the new Preferred Drug List format. Requires each Medicaid managed care organization to post its preferred drug list on its website without restricting access and to update the preferred drug list posted on its website no less than 30 days prior to the date upon which any update or change takes effect. Requires the Department to establish, no later than January 1, 2019, the Illinois Pharmacy and Therapeutics Advisory Board to have the authority and responsibility to provide recommendations to the Department regarding which drug products to list on the Department’s preferred drug list. Contains provisions concerning Board meetings and correspondence; the Board’s composition; voting and non-voting members; and other matters. Requires the Department to adopt rules, to be in place no later than January 1, 2019, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the Board.
HB 4736, Senator David Koehler
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall not require the following children to enroll in or transition to the State’s managed care medical assistance program: (1) children who are authorized by the Department to receive in-home shift nursing services as required by federal regulations concerning Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services; and (2) children made eligible for medical assistance through any home and community-based services waiver program for medically fragile and technology dependent children authorized under the Social Security Act. Provides that any children who meet the criteria under item (1) or (2) and who are enrolled in the State’s managed care medical assistance program on or before the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be given the option to disenroll from the State’s managed care medical assistance program and receive medical assistance coverage under the State’s traditional fee-for-service program.
Senate Insurance Committee
May 9, 2018, 5:00 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2388, SFA 1, Senator Heather A. Steans
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits any short-term, limited duration health insurance plan or coverage issued, amended, delivered, or renewed from imposing any pre-existing condition exclusion as defined in the Illinois Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, with respect to such plan or coverage. Provides that the same prohibition applies to any individual or group accident or health insurance policy after January 1, 2018.
- To read full text of SB 2388, SFA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 2388, SFA 1: Click
HB 4516, Senator Julie A. Morrison
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act to require coverage for hearing instruments and related services for all individuals under the age of 18 when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing instrument to augment communication must be medically necessary. Makes changes to the restrictions on hearing aid coverage.
NOTE: If you wish to take any action regarding any of these bills/issues, you may wish to attend the committee hearing and/or contact the members of the Committee conducting the hearing and/or the legislators in your home district. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all legislators, both Representatives and Senators, can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website at: www.ilga.gov. You may check this website to find out if any of the committee hearing dates or times have been changed, which may happen upon very short notice. You may also use this website to file an electronic witness slip for any bill that is posted for hearing by clicking on “GA Dashboard” on the homepage.
For additional information, please contact:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-544-0464 ext. 6013
