Hunter leads measure to prioritize kin-first foster care placements

SPRINGFIELD — Despite research indicating improved stability and emotional well-being for children placed with relative caregivers, over 60% of these caregivers in Illinois are denied the financial support received by unrelated foster care parents. To address this disparity, State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a measure through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday aimed at removing barriers and strengthening kinship care.

“We know children are more likely to thrive when they remain connected to their families and culture,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, many relatives who step into the caregiver role — often at a moment’s notice — face significant financial challenges.”

Read more: Hunter leads measure to prioritize kin-first foster care placements

Fine to expand chronic pain treatment and enhance patient confidentiality

SPRINGFIELD – Working with advocates for patients with chronic pain and the State Medical Society, State Senator Laura Fine advanced legislation authorizing prescribers to make chronic pain health treatment decisions for their patients. In 2016, states began instituting policies severely restricting the prescription of certain opioids, however, for some patients this is a life-saving treatment.

“Chronic pain patients who cannot access the proper treatments may turn to self-medicating with dangerous alternatives. These alternatives can put a patient's physical and mental health at risk,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative allows for healthcare professionals to make medical decisions based on their patient’s needs.”

House Bill 5373 reflects new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the prescribing of opioids for chronic pain. The legislation allows physicians to make necessary prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, without strict limitations based on dosage amounts except as provided under federal law.

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Simmons celebrates medical debt relief for thousands of Illinois residents

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced Thursday more than 52,000 Illinois residents have been relieved of their medical debt under the state’s new Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program championed by State Senator Mike Simmons this year.

“I am thrilled that, as a result of The Medical Debt Relief Act, 52,000 Illinoisans have received medical debt relief in October alone,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Medical debt should never place a burden on families who’ve endured a medical crisis. I am proud that we are taking rapid action as a state to wipe out medical debt for families and individuals and support them with a more secure financial future.”

Read more: Simmons celebrates medical debt relief for thousands of Illinois residents

Preston leads discussions on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage to treat stuttering

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the need for health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“This bill makes a powerful statement about Illinois’ commitment to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We are working to remove financial and administrative barriers to those seeking speech therapy services.”

Senate Bill 3972 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.  While current law considers speech therapy a covered habilitative service for those under 19, insurance coverage is clouded by exclusions and limitations of the individual’s policy.

Read more: Preston leads discussions on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage to treat stuttering