Senator Fine urges consumers to report scams, price gouging

GLENVIEW – In response to a surge in scams and price gouging since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to file any complaints with the Office of the Attorney General to report unfair practices connected to the pandemic.

Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order March 16 to prohibit price gouging and give Attorney General Kwame Raoul enforcement authority. The Office of the Attorney General is directing businesses to maintain fair pricing, particularly on items public health agencies are recommending people use to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“People should be focusing on keeping themselves and their families healthy—they shouldn’t have to worry about scams,” Fine said. “I’m glad that the attorney general has stepped up to combat price gouging and protect consumers.”

The Office of the Attorney General is also monitoring products on websites including Amazon, eBay and Facebook, and contacting companies regarding ads or offers that may be problematic.

“If you have information about scams or price gouging, please file a complaint with the attorney general immediately,” Fine said.

To find out how to identify and report price gouging and scams, please visit illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.

Sales tax deferrals available for small businesses impacted by COVID-19

To help alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants.

This deferral is expected to provide relief to nearly 80% of bars and restaurants in Illinois. Find more information and check whether your business qualifies here.

To learn more about what measures the state is taking to help Illinoisans affected by COVID-19-- including offering disaster assistance loans, establishing dedicated shopping hours for seniors and expanding health care services-- read Gov. JB Pritzker's March 19 announcement here. 

Sen. Fine moves to protect assets of families of individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – To make it easier for families of individuals with disabilities to provide for their children’s futures, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has sponsored legislation that would empower ABLE account holders to protect their assets and designate a beneficiary.

The ABLE Program allows people with disabilities to save for certain expenses without losing their eligibility for programs like SSI and Medicaid. Assets from the account can be used for expenses like education, housing, transportation and health care. Fine wants to make it easier for account holders to name an account beneficiary without legal aid.

“Families who are caring for someone with a disability shouldn’t have to pay a private attorney to protect their hard-earned savings,” said Fine. “We need to make sure that protections are in place for individuals with disabilities who come from low- or middle-income backgrounds.”

Upon the death of the primary beneficiary of an ABLE account, Medicaid can file a recovery claim and any premiums paid as part of the Medicaid Buy-In Program can be deducted from unprotected assets. Fine’s plan would enable ABLE account holders to make the remaining assets payable on death, thereby protecting them from Medicaid asset recovery.

Since the creation of the Illinois ABLE Program three years ago, nearly 1,300 Illinoisans have opened ABLE accounts, with combined assets of more than $8.5 million.

“This legislation would make much-needed improvements to the Illinois ABLE Program,” said Fine. “It would give all individuals with disabilities and their families the support and protection they need to save for expenses and secure their futures.”

Senate Bill 3071 passed the Senate Wednesday and now heads to the House.

Senator Fine pushes for more immediate access to mental health treatment

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans would have faster and easier access to mental health services under a new bill sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

The measure requires that insurers provide timely access to mental health treatment at a facility within a reasonable distance from the patient. The requirements would apply to services for mental, emotional, nervous and substance use disorders and conditions.

“If you had a broken arm, your insurer wouldn’t make you wait weeks or drive for hours to see a doctor,” said Fine. “Why should mental health be treated any differently?”

The bill would place limits on how long a person must wait to see a mental health provider, as well as the distance a person must travel for treatment.

In Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties, those seeking outpatient mental health treatment would not have to travel longer than 30 minutes or 30 miles to their provider. In other counties, the limit increases to 60 minutes or 60 miles.

In all parts of the state, no one would have to wait more than 10 business days between requesting an appointment and being seen.

“I introduced this legislation to improve access to treatment for mental health,” said Fine. “The exact time and distance limits in the bill are still under negotiation, but I’m excited to work with my fellow lawmakers to make services more easily available.”

Senate Bill 2740 passed the Senate Insurance Committee and now heads to the full Senate.