CHICAGO – Insurance coverage for telehealth treatment will be permanently expanded under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

“Everyone should be able to seek treatment from the comfort of their home without having to worry about whether their insurance will cover the visit,” Senator Fine said. “Expanding insurance coverage for telehealth will expand accessibility to treatment for Illinois families.”

Under previous law, insurance companies could, but were not required to provide coverage for telehealth services. This law will ensure coverage for clinically appropriate and medically necessary telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services.

“People who may not feel comfortable leaving their homes or may not have reliable transportation options will have more options when it comes to seeking healthcare,” Senator Fine said. “With this law, telehealth will continue to be a useful tool for both providers and patients alike.”

House Bill 3308 was signed into law Thursday and is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois minors will have an easier time seeking work permits in Illinois under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

“The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged us to meet people where they are, and this law gives young adults the flexibility to seek work permits remotely,” Senator Fine said. “Minors across Illinois will be able to utilize a streamlined process to access work permits.”

Children under 16, along with their parents or legal guardian, will now be able to meet with school issuing officers remotely to obtain a Child Labor Certificate. This option was previously made available as an emergency rule during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Making remote meetings a permanent option for families and school issuing officers for the purpose of getting a work permit makes sense,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Michael Kleinik. “It goes beyond the lessons learned and rules put in place during the peak of the pandemic.”

Public Act 102-0032 was signed into law June 25 and took effect immediately.

GLENVIEW – Starting this month, unemployed Illinoisans in need of health insurance through the ACA Marketplace are eligible for financial assistance, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Tuesday.

“Every Illinoisan deserves access to quality, affordable health care, and I’m pleased to see President Biden’s American Rescue Plan paving the way for many families to be able to afford health insurance,” Senator Fine said. “Individuals struggling to find employment should take advantage of this special enrollment period to prevent a possible lapse in insurance coverage.”

Thanks to new tax credits made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan, Illinoisans who received, or are approved to receive, unemployment compensation in 2021 may be able to find lower-cost plans and reduce out-of-pocket health insurance premiums when purchasing plans through the ACA Marketplace.

To maximize savings, individuals are encouraged to enroll in coverage on HealthCare.gov before the current special enrollment period closes on Aug. 15. Illinoisans can receive enrollment assistance at GetCoveredIllinois.gov.

“Anyone who has received unemployment income in 2021 should submit a new application or update their existing one,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “You may find that with the advanced premium tax credits, your monthly premium could average $10 or less per month, or even $0.”

More information on the 2021 Special Enrollment Period in Response to COVID-19 for the ACA Marketplace and the American Rescue Plan can be found here.

GLENVIEW – Families in Evanston, Glenview and Wilmette will benefit from a combined $3.3 million investment in walking and biking paths and street improvements, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Monday.

“Investments in local transportation and infrastructure are investments in our community,” Senator Fine said. “Illinoisans should have countless safe options to travel recreationally and professionally.”

Residents of the North Shore will see a number of improvements, including to Main Street in Evanston; the Milwaukee Avenue pedestrian signal in Glenview; and U.S. Route 41, Skokie Boulevard, and pedestrian and bicycle lanes in Wilmette.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

"These projects will add to the quality of life in the 9th District," Senator Fine said. "I am looking forward to seeing the enhanced benefits of the improved walking and biking paths and streets.”