(SPRINGFIELD) The state’s proposal for sweeping reforms in the state’s health insurance industry has passed out of committee and will soon make its way to the full State House for consideration. Among the significant parts of House Bill 5395 are a ban on requirements for prior authorization from an insurance company before a patient can receive in-patient treatment at a mental health facility and a ban on the use of “step therapy” in prescription drug coverage. The bill also would authorize the State Department of Insurance to reject or approve proposed rate changes in large-group insurance plans. Look for plenty of debate.
(SPRINGFIELD) Several lawmakers and other joined the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers during an informational picket this past Monday in Downer’s Grove, all in advance of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s visit to northern Illinois. Statewide letter carriers claim the Postmaster General’s new “Delivering for America” plan is cost-cutting and would impact daily mail service, plus it would harm the most vulnerable residents who rely on USPS to vote-by-mail, receive medication, make & receive payments, & other time sensitive communication. The plan would elimninate mail processing at four Illinois processing and distribution centers, including Champaign, Springfield, Peoria, and the Quad Cities.
(SPRINGFIELD) A shakeup at the Illinois Prisoner Review Board has many lawmakers calling for reforms. The resignations of Board Member LeAnn Miller and Board Chairman Donald Shelton follows a recent parolee who the day after being released allegedly killed a woman and her 11 year old boy. All current members of the Prisoner Review Board were appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker and all make over $80,000 a year as Board members.