Sarah Frye, Manager of Legislative Relations, Illinois Chamber
HB2652was signed into law by Governor Quinn as P.A. 96-833. The new law requires Illinois healthcare plans to provide parity benefits for prosthetics and customized orthotic devices. The Illinois Chamber was successful in negotiating an amendment with the legislation’s supporters to clarify and minimize the legislation’s cost to employer plans. The bill becomes effective June 1, 2010.
Another bill awaiting the Governor’s signature is HB3923. The Illinois Chamber led a coalition of business and insurance interests in negotiating a health measure that should help stem the rising cost of health insurance in our state. Several dates have been changed as potential signing ceremonies and it may not occur until January. The drop date for signing is January 24.
The insurance companies should be itemizing the actuarial cost of every state and federal mandate on premiums on a policy. Maybe the public would start understanding where the real problem lies with the increase in premiums.