SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to eliminate hurdles patients with HMO health insurance policies face when seeking treatment by medical specialists was signed into law on Tuesday.

“It can be frustrating for HMO policy holders to wait for referrals before seeking the care they need,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “With this new law, patients will no longer have to use valuable time and money and jump through unnecessary hoops.”

House Bill 1186 allows patients with HMO health insurance policies to make appointments and receive care with in-network specialists covered by their insurance, eliminating the requirement to get a referral from a general practitioner. This allows patients with HMO policies to get the care they need in a timely manner.

House Bill 1186 was signed into law on June 27, 2023. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.