SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is working to form a new Medicaid subcommittee to help streamline the Medicaid system in Illinois.
“The Medicaid system is the cornerstone of health care for individuals with developmental disabilities, yet navigating its complexities can be daunting,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “With the subcommittee, we seek to remove these barriers and create a more efficient, person-centered Medicaid system that puts individuals and their needs first.”
The measure would create a subcommittee under the Medicaid Advisory Committee at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The subcommittee would consist of 30 members, including the directors of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Illinois Department of Insurance, as well as social workers, parent advocates, representatives from statewide health organizations and members of the General Assembly.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is working on a measure that would bring equity to funding for special education students by creating a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.
“I spent 15 years in the classroom as a special education teacher,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure our students can receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment. This initiative would achieve equitable funding for all special needs students, no matter their placement.”
Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.
Read more: Loughran Cappel measure prioritizing all special education students heads to the House
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a measure to ensure municipal and county first responders receive free mental health insurance coverage.
“We owe it to these brave individuals to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and recover from the daily trauma they continuously endure in the line of duty,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is not only morally imperative but also cost effective. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can prevent more serious and costly consequences down the line.”
Senate Bill 3538 would require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.
Read more: Hastings passes legislation to provide first responders with mental health care
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes passed a bill in the Senate to expand real estate licensing in Illinois to brokers licensed in another state.
“To modernize our real estate practices in Illinois, this legislation would promote greater diversity in the market for many residents to utilize,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Allowing more brokers and managers from other states to operate in Illinois would benefit our residents and the businesses wanting to operate in our state.”
Senate Bill 3740 would require brokers and managing brokers licensed in another state who are applying for licensure in Illinois to follow specific guidelines to obtain licensure.
Read more: Cervantes advances bill to reduce barriers for real estate licensing
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