Law Protecting Insurance Coverage For People With Pre-Existing Conditions Awaits Governor's Signature

GLENVIEW, IL — Rep. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) called Wednesday on Governor Bruce Rauner to sign a bill protecting health coverage for people diagnosed with pre-existing medical conditions. House Bill 2959 was sent to the governor's desk for his signature last month, and a spokesperson for Rauner said the bill remains under review.

The bill prevents insurance companies from denying access to health care coverage to people with pre-existing conditions by banning policies that "impose any pre-existing condition exclusion." It was approved by the Illinois House by an 87-26 vote and passed the Senate by a vote of 46-5.

“Governor Rauner has yet to weigh in on the health care debate going on in Washington,” said Fine. “By signing House Bill 2959, he can let Congress know that their plans are bad for people in Illinois. I urge governor to quickly sign this legislation into law.”

Fine said proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act could jeopardize access to health care for more than a million Illinois residents and force others to sign on to inferior plans with higher monthly premiums. Some of the pre-existing conditions triggering a drop of coverage from insurance companies to drop coverage include arthritis, lupus, diabetes, C-sections, stroke and high cholesterol, according to Fine.

“President Trump’s plan to destroy the Affordable Care Act does nothing to make health care more affordable or accessible,” Fine said. “A large part of this is due to the fact that insurance companies could deny people coverage if they have a pre-existing condition. We should not be making it more difficult for people with medical issues to receive treatment.”

Fine represents the 17th District, which includes parts of Glenview, Skokie, Wilmette, Golf, Morton Grove, and Northbrook.

Top photo via office of Rep. Laura Fine