DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices – bolstering treatment and diagnostic access for those suffering from seizure disorders.

“Seizure disorders can impact ones quality of life in many ways – and detection is a first line defense in preventing hospitalizations and improving quality of life,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Expanding access to these devices is an imperative step to ensuring longer, healthier lives.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, roughly 2.9 million adults and 456,000 children across the United States suffer from epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Detection devices were created and are accessible by patients affected with seizure disorders to better diagnose, aid and treat seizure events.

Multiple seizure detection devices are approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use by patients to alert the person or authorized users of an oncoming or occurring seizure. This allows the patient or caregiver to get themselves or others to safety and administer rescue medication in a timely manner.

To expand Illinois patient access to these life-saving devices, Senate Bill 2762 would require health insurance plans, excluding State Employee Groups Health plans, to provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices subject to a maximum cost-sharing amount of $50 per plan year.

“Technology and medicine continue to advance, creating new treatments for disorders that regularly disrupt one’s life,” said Morrison. “It’s time that we work to ensure these treatments and devices are accessible to those who need them the most, not just those who can pay out of pocket.”

Senate Bill 2762 passed the Senate Insurance Committee and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.