SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz assures that Medicaid covers any newborn relinquished under the Act. It also extends the time of notice that the police or fire department can inform a parent to share information of the hospital the child was transported to.

“Senate Bill 1999 not only ensures that abandoned infants can receive Medicaid immediately once they arrive at the hospital, but also creates a path for biological parents to reconsider their options,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

Changing the time period from 72 hours to 30 days will provide a biological parent additional time to consider other options, such as putting in place a traditional adoption plan with a child welfare agency or deciding to parent the child if possible.

As an adopted adult herself, Senator Feigenholtz has worked to assure that the practice of adoption in Illinois strives to be the gold standard for adoptive parents, biological parents and adoptees. Feigenholtz has been the voice of adopted adults who desire information about their beginnings and health care information. She passed the original birth certificate access law that provided adult adopted persons access to their original birth certificates.

Senate Bill 1999 passed the Senate with bipartisan support on Thursday and now moves to the House for further consideration.