SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to expand access to health care while protecting affordability, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Hoan Huynh passed House Bill 1577 through the Senate on Thursday.

The legislation, which clarifies university participation in Illinois’ dependent coverage law, ensures student health insurance plans remain affordable and sustainable for those who rely on them most.

“Expanding health care access must go hand in hand with protecting affordability,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation supports the intent of the original law while making sure we don't unintentionally burden students with higher premiums. We’re committed to building a more inclusive health care system — one that meets people where they are, including our students.”

House Bill 1577 is a follow-up to a law that took effect in January 2025, which requires health insurance plans to offer dependent coverage to an insured person’s parent or stepparent. That landmark law was designed to help multigenerational households and caregivers access essential care.

The original law applies only when the parent or stepparent lives with or has received at least six months of care from the insured individual. It excludes highly specialized insurance products, like Medicare supplement plans and hospital-only coverage.

House Bill 1577 would explicitly exempt student health insurance plans from this requirement — a clarification that was always intended but needed to be codified.

House Bill 1577 passed the Senate on Thursday.

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