Greenwood Urges Rauner to Sign Law Protecting Residents with Pre-Existing Conditions

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Concerned about the effects that proposed changes to federal healthcare would have on vulnerable residents, state Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, is encouraging Governor Rauner to sign a measure that would protect health care coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions in Illinois.

“Individuals with pre-existing conditions depend on the protections of Obamacare to ensure that they receive the coverage and care they need,” Greenwood said. “Without that protection, the cost of care would be devastating on them and their families. It’s critical that regardless of what happens in Washington, we need to care for our residents in Illinois.”

Greenwood sponsored House Bill 2959, which would prohibit insurance companies in the state from excluding health care coverage to residents with pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions that would allow health insurance companies to drop coverage potentially include arthritis, lupus, diabetes, C-sections, stroke, high cholesterol and more. The proposal was in response to proposed changes to healthcare on the federal level by congressional Republicans. Despite this, House Bill 2959 received bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly, and has now been sent to the governor’s desk.

“The bipartisan support for this bill shows that this issue should not be treated as a partisan matter,” Greenwood said. “This is an opportunity to show that we are willing to put aside politics and ensure that we protect those who depend on healthcare to live the life they deserve.”

Residents who wish to urge the governor to sign House Bill 2959 can call his office at 217-782-0244.