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 the State Senate on Thursday.

“Diabetes is a serious, often preventable condition,” Ellman said. “People have the right to know if they’re at risk, and insurance providers should cover the tests.”

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, identified risk factor for people who have or may have prediabetes and diabetes are 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 individual over the three months prior to the test being administered. It’s one of the most common tools used to diagnose prediabetes.  

The idea for the measure was brought to Ellman by a constituent.

“Managing diabetes is not an easy task, and unchecked diabetes can lead to serious health issues later in life,” Ellman said. “Insulin is costly. We need to make preventative tests as accessible and affordable as possible.”

According to the National Conference of 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 Illinois Senate with a vote of 57-0 and now heads to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.