Illinois State Senator Laura Fine

Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests will be covered by insurance under new Fine law

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, August 09, 2024 03:19 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Individuals who are prescribed at-home pregnancy tests will soon have the costs of these tests covered by insurance, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine.

“A part of expanding access to health care services is identifying the barriers individuals face every day,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “That is why I worked with Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl to assist individuals afford the costs of these pregnancy tests.”

The new law requires all state-based insurance plans and Medicaid to provide coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, regardless if the tests are available over-the-counter. The measure limits the number of tests to two every 30 days, except under Medicaid, where it is limited to a multipack every 30 days.

Fine law increases protections for reproductive health care rights

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, August 07, 2024 11:02 AM

SPRINGFIELD – To further safeguard patients from discriminatory practices based on their reproductive health decisions, State Senator Laura Fine spearheaded a law that adds additional protections under the Human Rights Act.

“Reproductive health and family planning decisions are personal and it is important that there are laws in place to ensure these rights are upheld in Illinois,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “These additions to the Human Rights Act will provide necessary protections.”

House Bill 4867 will protect against unlawful discrimination for individuals who exercise their reproductive health rights. The law adds “reproductive health decisions” as a vital protection under the Human Rights Act. This ensures an individual is not discriminated against in employment or housing for their reproductive health decisions, including the use of contraception, fertility or sterilization care, assisted reproductive technologies, miscarriage management care, health care related to the continuation or termination of pregnancy, and prenatal, intranatal and postnatal care.

New Fine law prioritizes patient safety in mental health facilities

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, August 02, 2024 03:02 PM

SPRINGFIELD – To protect residents from abuse and neglect at state-run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine championed a law strengthening the ability of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate allegations.

“It is the state’s responsibility to protect our most vulnerable residents,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Through on-site investigations, the OIG is able to confirm and respond to reports of abuse at these facilities, while removing the source of the issue before a pattern of neglect ensues.”

This law expands protections for patients by giving the OIG the ability to conduct targeted site visits to all community agencies in the state, which includes Community Living Arrangements and Community Mental Health Centers.

Fine law protects consumers against denied insurance claims

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, July 19, 2024 03:45 PM

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine creates transparency in health care plans by clarifying when a consumer is able to challenge an insurance company’s decision to deny their claim.

“When a health insurance provider refuses to pay for treatment, it presents unnecessary struggles for patients,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By ensuring individuals have a clear way to appeal these denials, we can promote transparency between the patients and the insurance company.”

Health insurance providers may deny coverage or refuse to pay for a service, which is known as an adverse benefit determination. However, consumers are able to request an external review of this denial to evaluate its appropriateness. Fine’s law clarifies when a consumer can appeal a denial of benefits or request an external review.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting my website.

I am proud to serve as the State Senator from Illinois’ 9th Senate District. I hope you’ll find this site a useful resource in keeping up to date with what’s happening in our district and in Springfield. Please contact any of my offices with questions or ways I can better serve you.

It is my honor to represent you in Springfield.

Sincerely,

Laura Fine Signaure