SPRINGFIELD – To facilitate access to affordable health care services, State Senator Laura Fine advanced a measure that will assist in the transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace.

“It has always been my aim to have our insurance marketplace reflect the needs of Illinoisans by providing accessible and affordable health care for all,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Establishing a state-based marketplace prioritizes the needs of our residents.”

Legislation passed last year established a state-based health insurance marketplace, allowing Illinois to offer affordable insurance coverage options. Illinois will complete the transition to the state-based health insurance marketplace by 2026.

SPRINGFIELD – To give families and caregivers timely notice of their loved one’s passing, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure that would require substance abuse programs and mental health facilities to provide transparent communication regarding a patient’s death.

“Families and caregivers should have complete assurance in the programs and facilities they are placing their loved ones in for treatment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is both tragic and unacceptable that a family would have to wait several days before being notified of their loved one’s passing.”

Under current law, a facility must provide verbal notice regarding a significant incident to the Illinois Department of Human Services within 24 hours. However, there is no mandate that requires a family member to be notified of a patient’s death within a specific timeframe.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to protect the health and safety of adults who are unable take care of themselves, sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine, passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Individuals facing unfortunate circumstances that prevent them from looking after their personal health should have immediate access to the health care assistance they need,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Connecting them to services and a care plan in a timely manner is essential to prevent self-neglect in the future.”

Senate Bill 2799 creates a screening procedure for cases of self-neglect among adult patients under the Adult Protective Services intervention program. If a patient is found to be a substantial health threat to themselves due to self-neglect, a provider agency must develop a case plan within 10 days and with the consent of the adult. 

SPRINGFIELD –  In an effort to increase patient safety at state run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine passed Senate Bill 857. This legislation increases the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) ability to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect.

“Since 2022, I have visited state-operated mental health and developmental disability facilities across the state to receive feedback and ideas on how we can protect our state's most vulnerable residents,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure continues that effort by giving the OIG additional tools needed to effectively prevent and deter abuse and neglect.”

Under current law, the Illinois Department of Human Services OIG is required to conduct annual unannounced site visits to all 14 state-operated facilities related to preventing, reporting, investigating and responding to abuse and neglect. Senate Bill 857 expands this preventative measure to give the OIG the ability to conduct targeted site visits to all community agencies in the state, which includes Community Living Arrangements (CILA) and Community Mental Health Centers.