Holmes works to boost transparency in health insurance, document understaffed networks

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes—a leader with a successful track record of passing pro-consumer health care legislation—advanced a measure through the Senate Wednesday that would require insurers to document whether they have enough physicians and specialists to diagnose and treat their patients.

“When people go to the doctor, they expect they’ll get the care and urgency their condition calls for, but they often have to wait weeks or months for a diagnosis and treatment when they live in smaller communities,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “They might suffer needless anxiety or fear waiting on help, simply because the network is understaffed.”

Read more: Holmes works to boost transparency in health insurance, document understaffed networks

Senate advances Hunter bill to make asthma inhalers more affordable

SPRINGFIELD — Individuals with asthma could see significant savings on their prescription inhalers thanks to legislation from State Senator Mattie Hunter that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“No one should struggle to afford their medication while big companies profit,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “While insurance plans cover a portion of asthma treatment costs, we can do more to eliminate the barriers individuals face when trying to manage this long-term condition.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s measure, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Read more: Senate advances Hunter bill to make asthma inhalers more affordable

Ventura passes measure to mitigate climate change

SPRINGFIELD – To tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks, State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation through the Senate that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

“By encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing our planet for future generations significantly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This grant opportunity would make a big difference in every corner of the state – tackling the deterioration of the planet head on.”

The ramifications of the climate crisis are felt across all tiers of government. With heightened frequency and intensity of storms, local administrations face the imperative of managing flooding and devising solutions for dirt and snow drifts. Moreover, the escalating emissions from transportation and fossil fuel sources demand urgent attention. Scientific research underscores the efficacy of native grasses and trees in carbon capture. In response to these pressing needs, this bill endeavors to establish a grant program tailored for local governments.

Read more: Ventura passes measure to mitigate climate change

Castro works to expand coverage for infertility treatments like IVF

SPRINGFIELD — Infertility treatment is notoriously expensive, and many women in Illinois struggle to afford this care. In response, State Senator Cristina Castro is leading a measure to remove this barrier and make treatments like in vitro fertilization more accessible.

“While other states restrict access to reproductive care, we are committed to remaining a safe haven where those seeking to start or grow their family can access the treatments needed to do so,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “It can be difficult to talk about this issue, but shedding a light on the struggles people face – particularly women of color – is necessary to address barriers.”

Castro is leading a measure that would require health insurance plans in Illinois to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. It would also require employers with more than 25 employees to cover an annual menopause health visit for those 45 and older without imposing cost sharing requirements.

Read more: Castro works to expand coverage for infertility treatments like IVF