SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law is expanding insurance coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and other supplies for diabetics in Illinois.
The legislation requires insurance companies to cover continuous glucose monitors, related supplies and training for people diagnosed with any form of diabetes.
Patients with a prior authorization for glucose monitors will have cost sharing waived on a month's supply of monitors and a transmitter.
Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) told reporters in Springfield that patients would not need prior authorization for this coverage and any physician could prescribe the equipment.
"I work at a federally qualified health center, so my patients are the uninsured and people on Medicaid for the most part," said Dr. Emma Daisy, President of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians. "I've been able to get them approved for a very small slice of the population, and it's just transformatively helpful for them."
People will not be required to have a diagnosis of uncontrolled diabetes, a history of emergency room visits or show improved glycemic control to qualify for a continuous glucose monitor.
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Insurance companies will be required to start providing this coverage on January 1, 2026.
"High costs that come with managing diabetes can put an unnecessary economic burden on families," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "This law will ensure people with any type of diabetes receive crucial medical care."
Previous law required insurance companies to cover the equipment for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, Senate Bill 3414 will secure coverage for 1.3 million people in Illinois who have this chronic health condition.
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