SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Legislation moving in Springfield could require insurance companies to cover preventative heart scans.
Sponsors told reporters in Springfield Wednesday that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Illinois, and many people find out they're at risk when it is too late to act.
This proposal requires private individual and group insurance providers to cover heart scans for adults 40 and older when recommended by healthcare providers. Rep. Yolanda Morris (D-Chicago) said this change can help reduce long-term healthcare costs and save lives.
"My aunt passed away at 49 after being told that she might not live to see 50," Morris said. "Tragically, she did not live to see 50. Too many families experience this kind of loss without warning."
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services initially opposed the plan due to the potential cost for state employee health insurance coverage. However, Morris filed an amendment to focus solely on other insurance providers. The Pritzker administration moved to neutral on the bill after reviewing the new bill language.
Still, opponents are frustrated that the state told the sponsor she could move forward with the legislation if she exempted state employee insurance from the mandate.
"If the cost was significant enough that the state cannot absorb it within its own health plan, it raises important affordability concerns for those in the marketplace as well," said Kate Morthland from the Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council.
The legislation passed unanimously out of the House Insurance Committee Thursday night and heads to the House floor for further consideration. Although Republicans stressed negotiations should continue to ensure more Illinoisans are covered.
Morris told WAND News she hopes to file a separate plan during a less intense budget year to help state employees receive the same coverage.
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