Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

SPRINGFIELD – With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman. “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

Senate Bill 3815 would prohibit health insurance companies from denying new coverage to individuals or employers solely because they owe premiums from a previous policy. The measure maintains that insurers may still pursue collection of unpaid balances, but ensures that outstanding debt does not act as a barrier to accessing care.

Read more: Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

 SPRINGFIELD – With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman. “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

Read more: Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

Hastings advances bill to protect homeowners from ‘storm chaser’ contractor scams

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“When families are rebuilding after a fire or storm, they can be susceptible to high pressure tactics,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “You get these storm chasers who promise the world and pressure homeowners to sign contracts on the spot.”

Read more: Hastings advances bill to protect homeowners from ‘storm chaser’ contractor scams

Turner calls for action to expand students’ access to service animals

SPRINGFIELD – School policies protecting access to service animals for students with disabilities could be strengthened under a proposal led by State Senator Doris Turner that aims to support all students, no matter their needs.

“As we continue to equip our students with resources and support in the classroom, we need to make sure they don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

Read more: Turner calls for action to expand students’ access to service animals