SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that would require insurers to cover important tests for people with or at risk of developing diabetes passed committee on Wednesday.

“Diabetes is a serious, sometimes preventable condition,” Ellman said. “You have a right to know if you’re at risk, and your insurance should cover the request.”

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an identified risk factor for people who have or may have prediabetes and diabetes is vitamin D deficiency and low blood sugar levels. Ellman’s measure would require insurers to cover A1C and Vitamin D tests that are recommended by health care providers for people who may have or have prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C, is a simple blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels of an individuals over the three months prior to the test being administered. It’s one of the most common tools used to diagnose prediabetes.  

“Managing diabetes isn’t simple, and unmanaged diabetes can lead to serious health issues later in life,” Ellman said. “Insulin is expensive. The least we can do is make preventative tests as accessible and affordable as possible.”

According to the National Council for State Legislators, as of 2014, nearly 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, and an additional 86 million are considered to have prediabetes.

Senate Bill 1854 passed the Senate Insurance Committee with no opposition and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.