Illinois State Senator Laura Fine

Senators Fine, Bryant and Fowler remain vigilant on plan prioritizing Choate residents’ wellbeing 

Details: Category: Press Releases; Thursday, May 23, 2024 01:05 PM

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Laura Fine, Terri Bryant and Dale Fowler responded Thursday to a news investigation that uncovered abuse caught on camera at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois. 

“What has continued to happen at this facility is unacceptable,” said Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee. “Stronger oversight must be incorporated into the Choate transition plan to hold bad actors like this individual accountable so the state’s most vulnerable residents are kept safe.” 

Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center serves patients struggling with mental and behavioral health issues and people with developmental disabilities. Some employees of Choate have been charged with and found guilty of abusing patients, obstructing official probes and lying to investigators about wrongdoing.

Fine advances insurance coverage for prescribed at-home pregnancy tests

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, May 17, 2024 02:09 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure through the Senate that would require health insurance providers to cover prescribed at-home pregnancy tests.

“Prescribed at-home pregnancy tests, like medications, should be covered by insurance for those who need them,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The purpose of this legislation is to reduce barriers to accessing necessary prescriptions and help patients obtain their tests.”

While at-home pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter, prescribers require patients taking certain medications — like Accutane, a medication for severe acne — to take a monthly pregnancy test. For those who need pregnancy tests, Fine’s measure extends privacy to patients by allowing tests to be concealed in the same paper bags as other pharmacy prescriptions.

Fine establishes May as Borderline Personality Disorder Month

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, May 17, 2024 01:12 PM

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce the stigma surrounding borderline personality disorder and bring awareness to the condition, State Senator Laura Fine led a resolution to designate May as Borderline Personality Disorder Month in Illinois.

“Borderline personality disorder affects an individual mentally, emotionally and socially, which is why it is important that we understand the impact of this mental illness to help those with BPD,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Mental illness can not only limit a person’s physical well-being, but it also can deter them from seeking help if people don’t understand how it affects them.”

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that can impact a person’s ability to manage their emotional state. Loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect self-esteem and negatively impact interpersonal relationships.

Fine increases consumer protection from denied insurance claims

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, May 15, 2024 12:31 PM

SPRINGFIELD – To increase transparency in health care plans and enhance consumer protections, State Senator Laura Fine advanced legislation that would clarify when an individual is able to challenge an insurance company’s decision to deny a claim.

“Those seeking necessary medical treatments, including those who already received a service, may be surprised when their health insurance refuses to pay for it,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Current standards for reviewing health care services and procedures may inaccurately and unfairly penalize patients, which can delay access to essential services.”

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. House Bill 2472 would clarify when a consumer can appeal a denial of benefits or request an external review.

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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