SPRINGFIELD – To ensure patients can consistently access the medicines they depend on, State Senator Laura Fine is leading legislation to safeguard insurance coverage for topical eye medications.
“Patients shouldn’t have to choose between following their doctor’s instructions and fighting their insurance company for a refill,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure ensures that people who rely on eye drops for conditions like glaucoma can maintain their treatment uninterrupted. Vision is too important to be delayed by insurance red tape.”
Senate Bill 2921 aims to address health insurance coverage for topical eye medication, such as eye drops for those suffering from glaucoma – a disease that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if left untreated. For this reason, the bill – also known as the Topical Eye Medication Prescription Act – would require coverage of eye medication to be included in any policy of accident and health insurance for public employees and individuals receiving pubic aid.
“Consistent medication access is a public health issue,” Fine said. “By passing this measure, we can help prevent avoidable vision loss and give patients the peace of mind that their treatment will be available when they need it.”
Senate Bill 2921 passed the Senate on Tuesday and now heads to the House.
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