SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate passed legislation Thursday to reduce barriers to menopause care.

Current state law requires insurance coverage for FDA-approved menopause treatment, but this plan broadens coverage requirements.

The bill mandates private health plans to cover medically necessary evaluation and treatment of perimenopause and menopause conditions, including hormone conditions and medications.

"It also amends the Human Rights Act to add that it is unlawful to discriminate against an individual due to a menopause-related condition, including in the workplace," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood).

This plan calls for the Illinois Department of Public Health to create educational materials that include common symptoms, evidence-based treatment and available resources.

House Bill 5284 passed out of the Senate on a 54-4 vote. The measure now moves back to the House due to amended language.  It previously received a 71-32 vote in the House. 

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