SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill moving to the Illinois Senate floor could help women receive proper medical treatment for menopause.

The plan could ban private insurance companies from requiring prior authorization, or step therapy, for menopause treatment approved by doctors and the FDA. 

It would also require education on menopause and perimenopause recognition and engagement at all Illinois medical schools.

"We need to talk about it. We deserve the same healthcare as everybody else," said Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). "This is an issue of equity, and we're going to keep fighting for that."

This bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday. These changes could take effect on Jan. 1 if the plan is passed out of both chambers and signed into law.

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