CHICAGO, Ill. (WIFR) – A bill aimed at cutting some of the red tape in health care has been passed in Illinois.
On July 10, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Health Care Protection Act, which was proposed earlier this year.
The Health Protection Act (HPA) bans stepped care, a tactic used by insurance companies to require patients to try less expensive treatment options before receiving a doctor-recommended treatment. The law also bans prior authorization for emergency mental health care and requires insurers to be transparent about their authorization requirements for coverage so patients can find in-network care in their area.
“Signing these bills into law puts power back in the hands of patients and doctors and out of the control of predatory insurance companies that put profits over patient outcomes,” Pritzker said. “Access to health care shouldn’t require endless red tape and tactics, especially for the most vulnerable. This legislation will make health care more affordable and accessible for millions of Illinoisans.”
In 2023, unfair rate hikes for individual policyholders and small group plans were prohibited. Large group plans are also subject to regulation under the HPA. Junk insurance plans that do not meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act are also prohibited under the HPA.
For more information about the HPA, visit the Illinois State Legislature website.
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