SPRINGFIELD – Standing alongside advocates from various health care organizations, State Senator Julie Morrison outlined her plan to expand private insurance coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and related supplies.

“Increasing coverage of medically necessary services can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “As chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, I am devoted to protecting people’s health and livelihood.”

Senate Bill 3414 would require insurance companies to cover glucose monitors, related supplies, and training in the use of glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with any form of diabetes. The measure includes that an individual won’t need to have prior authorization for coverage for a glucose monitor and prohibits insurance from imposing cost-sharing requirements.

Current law requires coverage for diabetic individuals with type 1 and type 2. Morrison’s initiative would expand this to any form of diabetes, securing coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and related supplies for 1.3 million people in the state who have this chronic health condition.

“Just adding a continuous glucose monitor to a patient’s already established care plan, without making any other medication changes, will bring their diabetes under better control,” said Emma Daisy, MD and Board President of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.

Senate Bill 3414 passed the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.