Gov. Pritzker touts proposed health insurance reforms in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker discussed legislation Wednesday that would change how health insurance companies operate in Illinois.

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, would ban certain common practices. They include banning so-called “step therapy.” This is when an insurance company requires a patient to try and fail alternative medications before they can get coverage for meds their doctor recommends. The bill would also ban prior authorization for mental health care and require insurance companies to post all procedures requiring prior authorization. The proposal would also ban insurers from selling so-called “junk plans” in the state.

“As far as I’m concerned, decisions about patient care are intended to be made by doctors and patients themselves, not an insurance employee with no medical background,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker first detailed his proposal during his State of the State address on Feb. 22.

The state House Human Services Committee held a subject matter hearing on the legislation Wednesday morning. Lawmakers did not vote on the proposal.

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