Holmes measure ends out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) expanding insurance coverage for diagnostic mammograms has been signed into law by the governor.

Currently, insurance covers an initial screening mammogram without any co-pay or cost sharing. If dense breast tissue or an abnormality is detected, a doctor will want a second look with a more comprehensive ultrasound (diagnostic) mammogram, and a co-pay is applied. In Illinois, those co-pays can run from $600 to $700, which could discourage women from getting that screening.

“A diagnostic mammogram should be covered in the same manner as a routine screening mammogram,” Holmes said. “About 10 percent of initial mammogram results require a subsequent diagnostic mammogram, which can arguably be the most important test in the screening process. This new law can save lives.”

Read more: Holmes measure ends out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms

Morrison: Illinois should be a leader in employment for individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – A package of proposals by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) aimed at increasing state employment of individuals with disabilities has been signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.

“Having a job means having dignity, independence and purpose, regardless of whether or not an individual has a disability,” Morrison said. “The State of Illinois should be a leader in showing that individuals with disabilities are just as capable in the workplace and have a valued role in contributing to our state and our economy.”

Morrison – who is chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus – passed the series of measures to help break down the barriers to employment individuals with disabilities face.

Read more: Morrison: Illinois should be a leader in employment for individuals with disabilities

Hutchinson law protects non-profits from tax hike

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois non-profits will be spared a tax hike thanks to legislation passed by State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) that was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Pritzker.

Hutchinson’s new law – passed under Senate Bill 1257 – decouples Illinois from a new tax on nonprofits that was included in President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“Across Illinois, nonprofits take care of our seniors, ensure children are safe in the community and support individuals with disabilities,” Hutchinson said. “Imposing a new tax on these organizations would only risk disrupting vital services that Illinoisans rely upon every day.”

Read more: Hutchinson law protects non-profits from tax hike

Manar proposal to crack down on out-of-control PBMs signed into law

Relief is on the way for independent, rural pharmacies

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) that would provide relief for independent, rural pharmacies was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker Friday.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, which negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers, are currently using their position to drive up prices and eliminate competition, putting local pharmacies at a disadvantage.

House Bill 465 includes several provisions that will impose Illinois’ first ever oversight on PBMs, including:

• Eliminating the gag clause that prevents pharmacists from suggesting lower cost prescriptions to patients;
• Preventing consumers entering the emergency room from being denied coverage; and
• Improving pricing transparency and saving state money by requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to approve contracts that impact the state’s Medicaid program.

Read more: Manar proposal to crack down on out-of-control PBMs signed into law