SPRINGFIELD – Those without health insurance will receive information on available state health insurance with a check of a box thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that was signed on Friday.

 “This will allow every resident to figure out their health care options and see if they are qualified for state health insurance by simply checking a box on a form,” Stadelman said. “We can provide lifesaving information to those who are struggling and may not know how to get covered.”

House Bill 5142 establishes a health insurance “easy enrollment” program by including a checkbox on all Illinois income tax forms that taxpayers may check to request more information on available health insurance options and prices.

This requires the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide a letter to the Department of Revenue describing health insurance enrollment options to those who request it. The implementation of this simply requires the printing and mailing of enrollment options to those who request the information by checking the box on their tax form.

“Many people who are eligible for free or discounted health services don’t know that these options exist,” Stadelman said. “This measure will make those who check the box aware of the programs and insurance options they fit into based on their tax information, saving dollars and lives.”

House Bill 5142 was signed by the governor Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.