Carroll Bill Protects Families from Health Insurance Rate Hikes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, is sponsoring legislation to protect families from sudden policy rate hikes by allowing the Department of Insurance to ensure people continue benefitting from their health care plans.

“Peoples’ health care plans must first and foremost offer them the best services they require,” said Carroll. “Insurance companies should not be allowed to raise their insurance rates on consumers just for additional profits. My bill prioritizes the needs of people and their insurance plans.”

Carroll’s House Bill 471 would require the Illinois Department of Insurance to review and approve proposed health insurance rates of plans offered in the state. Under the proposed law, the Department would be able to deny health insurance rate hikes if those increases are unreasonable with the benefits provided. This legislation recently passed the Illinois House of Representatives.

“Insurance companies far too often take advantage of families simply trying to make a living, and this legislation would stop that,” said Carroll. “Illinois families deserve to keep their health care plans their state government is protecting them and allowing them to focus on their families.”