Morrison to expand cancer screening coverage
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SPRINGFIELD – Cancer is a serious disease that touches most lives in one way or another. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure that would require insurance to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer.
“Taking preventative measures increases the chances of survival and is more cost effective than treatment,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Early diagnosis is the best way to tackle the deadly effects of cancer.”
Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered as long as the patient meets the age requirement. Senate Bill 2697 would expand that coverage to include prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the deadly disease. Additionally, insurance companies would be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.
Collins works to protect patients in nursing homes
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to combat retaliatory efforts from nursing homes on patients.
“Patients in nursing homes should not have to worry about retaliation for wanting better living conditions for themselves,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are making an effort to expand the definition of retaliation to fit actions that are interfering with residents’ quality of life and are in response to protected activities.”
Senate Bill 3559 would expand the definition of “retaliatory action” to include retaliation against residents of nursing homes in the form of reduced access to services, neglect, selective restrictions and other adverse actions that interfere with the quality of life and are related to their involvement in a protected activity.
Read more: Collins works to protect patients in nursing homes
Castro stands up for substance-exposed infants and their caregivers
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SPRINGFIELD – A new measure led by State Senator Cristina Castro to proactively address substance use disorders during pregnancy and safeguard maternal and infant health cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
“Compassion and support are crucial for upholding the health and wellbeing of all mothers and infants,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By establishing this task force, we can take a proactive stance to address substance use disorders during pregnancy and find ways to holistically support families with newborns.”
The bill is a response to recommendations from the Illinois Maternal Mortality Review Committee, as substance use disorders are a leading cause of maternal mortality in the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health found that the leading cause of pregnancy-related death from 2018 to 2020 was substance use disorder, which comprised 32% of pregnancy-related deaths.
Read more: Castro stands up for substance-exposed infants and their caregivers
Morrison to remove barriers to treatment of substance use disorders
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SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison is leading a measure to curb substance use disorders.
“People suffering from a substance use disorder deserve access to the lifesaving treatment they need,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I am committed to removing the barriers that insurance companies put in place.”
Recent studies have shown that most people who could benefit from medications for substance use disorders don’t receive treatment. In 2022, there were 3,261 opioid overdose fatalities in the state – more than twice the number of fatal vehicle accidents and homicides. Senate Bill 3741 would improve these statistics by increasing coverage of and access to treatment by prohibiting insurance from requiring prior authorization for the treatment of substance use disorders.
Read more: Morrison to remove barriers to treatment of substance use disorders
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