Lilly-Backed Law Protecting Pre-Existing Conditions Takes Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As of Jan. 1, individual or group accidental health insurance coverage companies are prohibited from imposing pre-existing condition exclusions under a new law supported by State Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Oak Park.

“Having access to affordable healthcare is a necessity for people suffering from pre-existing conditions,” Lilly said. “Attempts by Trump and his Republican allies to repeal the Affordable Care Act would put the lives of people throughout the country in jeopardy. Nobody should be forced to make the decision to either refill their monthly prescriptions or buy food to feed their families. Every American deserves access to affordable healthcare regardless of any current condition they may have.”

The Lilly-supported House Bill 2959 prevents insurance companies from denying health coverage to Illinois residents with pre-existing conditions. The new law was drafted in response to efforts by federal politicians seeking to pad the profits of large insurance companies through sweeping changes to the U.S. healthcare system. Under the law, individuals with pre-existing conditions won’t have to worry about losing their healthcare coverage when they change jobs or insurance companies.

“Providing Americans with healthcare and affordable insurance is not something that should be up for debate,” Lilly said. “Patients’ access to healthcare should not be in jeopardy because of a pre-existing illness. These state-level protections ensure that thousands of Illinois families will not lose their insurance coverage, regardless of what happens in Washington.”

Lilly represents the 78th District, which includes parts of Chicago, Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Franklin Park, and Melrose Park.