Fine advances insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate that would require health insurance providers to cover prescribed at-home pregnancy tests.
“Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, like medications, should be covered by insurance for those who need them,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The purpose of this legislation is to reduce barriers to accessing necessary prescriptions and help patients obtain their tests.”
While at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter, prescribers require patients taking certain medications — like Accutane, a medication for severe acne — to take a monthly pregnancy test. For those who need pregnancy tests, Fine’s measure extends privacy to patients by allowing tests to be concealed in the same paper bags as other pharmacy prescriptions.
Read more: Fine advances insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests
Harris passes initiative to protect homeowners
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SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners across Illinois may have a new law on the books to increase transparency of insurance policy coverage, thanks to State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III.
“When residents select their homeowner insurance policy it is crucial that they have a full picture of what the policy covers,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This legislation will enable homeowners to make educated financial decisions about their insurance policies.”
House Bill 5357 would require an insurer to disclose whether a homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from a sewer backup or overflow from a sump pump when issuing or quoting a homeowner's policy. Also, the legislation would require insurance companies to offer the policyholder an opportunity to purchase this additional coverage if the policy does not already include it.
Edly-Allen leads measure to protect people from deceptive AI
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed a measure through the Senate to protect artists if their songs or likeness are stolen through the means of artificial intelligence (AI).
“In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of AI tools and AI generated content, often created and distributed without authorization,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “While AI is a powerful tool with the potential to do much good, guardrails are necessary to protect artists and the general public. I’d like to thank the numerous groups that worked in collaboration to ensure this measure is effective including the Motion Picture Association, TechNet, the Software Alliance and more.”
House Bill 4875 would create a private right of action for the artist or music studio to sue when a digital replica of the individual was disseminated or made available publicly without authorization of the artist or music studio.
Read more: Edly-Allen leads measure to protect people from deceptive AI
Koehler’s measure to expand access to bleeding disorder medications passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand access to medication for hereditary bleeding disorders, State Senator Dave Koehler advanced a measure to cut red-tape practices used by insurance companies.
“Prior authorization processes can delay vital medical care, putting patients’ lives at risk,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “We need to ensure Illinoisans can access the medications they need without delays.”
House Bill 4055 would prohibit prior authorization for FDA-approved medication for the treatment of hereditary bleeding disorders for up to six months. Prior authorization is a form of approval by insurance companies utilized before agreeing to cover medications and procedures. These checks can be for age, medical necessity, the availability of a medical alternative or drug interactions.
Read more: Koehler’s measure to expand access to bleeding disorder medications passes Senate
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