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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine proclaimed May 15, 2024 as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Day to recognize residents living from the disease and increase awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

“Over 50,000 Americans live with tuberous sclerosis complex, but others go without being properly diagnosed because symptoms go unnoticed,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “There is no known cure for this disease, and individuals must be informed if they are to be treated properly and make important decisions about their health.”

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and lungs. The disease is known to be the leading genetic cause for epilepsy and autism and is as common as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure costs are not the deciding factor for residents considering getting a vaccination, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure to require insurance to cover certain vaccines without out-of-pocket expenses.

“Vaccinations, whether it is for COVID or the flu, may mean the difference between life and death for some individuals,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The cost of a vaccine should not be an unnecessary barrier to protecting your health.”

Under the measure, all group and individual insurance policies and managed care plans would be required to cover the fees associated with COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, including administration of the vaccination. Currently, individuals with certain insurance plans may have to pay administration fees.