IL House unanimously passes bill expanding insurance coverage for Alzheimer's treatment, sends plan to governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — An Illinois bill to expand access to Alzheimer's treatment is heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk.

Legislation signed into law last year required the state employees insurance program to cover medically necessary FDA-approved treatments and medications to slow progression of the disease. The law also requires coverage for diagnostic testing for doctors to determine the best treatment or medication starting July 1.

Now, lawmakers want to require this coverage for patients on any health insurance plan.

"This requirement applies to private health insurance plans regulated by the state, self-insuring counties, self-insuring municipalities, self-insuring school districts, health maintenance organizations, and limited health service organizations," said Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago).

Gill said the proposal was agreed on with the insurance industry and all stakeholders.

Senate Bill 126 passed unanimously out of the House Tuesday. It previously gained unanimous support in the Senate.