Collins legislation to require insurance coverage for all pregnancy related services

SPRINGFIELD – Leading the charge to address disparities in maternal mortality rates in Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is spearheading a measure to expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

“As a mom, I know how necessary pregnancy and midwife services are and how vital it is to lower the maternal mortality rate by ensuring mothers and newborns have the best health care and supports possible,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Black women face some of the highest mortality rates during and after pregnancy, and with this legislation, we will begin to close gaps in coverage and increase safety and care for all newborns and mothers in Illinois.”

Under Collins’ legislation, private insurers would be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies would need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

Read more: Collins legislation to require insurance coverage for all pregnancy related services

Villivalam measure to expand protections for workers

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in expanding the list of documents an employee can request from an employer, and how they can do so.

“Making sure that workers have necessary protections is important to prevent possible retaliation,” said Villivalam. “That’s why expanding the options for what documents they can request, and how they can request them, is vital.”

This measure would expand the list of documents an employee can request such as documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

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Johnson passes measure to ensure housing resources for students

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“Students deserve adequate shelter and transportation. It is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Moreover, when basic needs are met, parents are more likely to engage with their child's school activities, attend meetings, and support their educational journey.”

Read more: Johnson passes measure to ensure housing resources for students

Peters at the forefront of efforts to strengthen health care access and consumer protections

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation to enhance access to health care services and protect the rights and interests of consumers through a comprehensive plan that targets key issues within health insurance plans.

"This legislation makes health care more accessible and transparent," said Peters (D-Chicago). "It also ensures accountability for large insurance companies that have gone unchecked by making certain they receive proper oversight.”

House Bill 5395 addresses "ghost networks," which occur when networks list providers who are not taking new patients, do not accept the patient’s insurance or are retired. Further, it extends the ban on unjustifiable insurance rate increases to large group plans in Illinois, ensuring access to affordable care.

Read more: Peters at the forefront of efforts to strengthen health care access and consumer protections