Governor Pritzker Signs Healthcare Bill: Ban on Step Therapy and Mental Health Access Changes

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois’ Healthcare Protection Act (House Bill 5395), aiming to enhance healthcare access by banning step therapy.

Governor Signs Healthcare Protection Act Amid Cost Concerns

Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois has signed the Healthcare Protection Act into law, despite concerns over potential cost increases for taxpayers. The legislation is known as House Bill 5395, includes measures aimed at restricting insurance practices that limit patients healthcare access. Pritzker emphasized the bill’s potential to save lives by improving timely access to necessary medical treatments especially for treatable health conditions, according to the report of The Center Square.

One key provision of the law is the ban on step therapy, where insurers require patients to try less effective treatments before approving doctor-recommended options. This move reflects Pritzker’s focus on prioritizing patient care over insurer profits and a sentiment echoed by Senate President Don Harmon. Critics such as the Illinois Freedom Caucus, argue that the law could lead to higher insurance premiums criticizing its provisions as overly generous to undocumented immigrants.

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(photo: Chicago Tribune)

Illinois to Lead in Mental Health Care Access with New Law

Starting January 1, the Healthcare Protection Act will also eliminate prior authorization requirements for in-patient mental health care making Illinois the first state to do so. The law additionally mandates that insurance companies disclose treatments needing prior authorization aiming to empower consumers in selecting healthcare plans.

As Illinois prepares for these changes debates persist regarding the law’s impact on healthcare accessibility and costs. Advocates view it as a crucial step toward patient-focused care while opponents express concerns about its financial implications for families and the healthcare system overall.

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