Manley Prioritizes Fight for Affordable Health Care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her continued work to build a stronger Illinois, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently supported an initiative to expand telehealth services and explore potential solutions to make health insurance more affordable for local families.

“Expanding access to affordable, quality health care is a top priority of mine, especially now as our state and community continue the fight against the COVID-19 health crisis,” said Manley. “This unprecedented situation has truly shined a light on the devastation that can occur when families do not have proper access to health care.”

To expand the availability of telehealth services as communities continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, Manley supported Senate Bill 1864. This measure also strives to research alternative options to make health insurance more affordable in Illinois, by directing state agencies charged with regulating insurance and health care to report to the General Assembly and the governor to help craft effective policy solutions. The bill passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law. 

“The COVID-19 crisis rightfully caused lawmakers to rethink what it means to have access to affordable health care, so expanding the availability of telehealth services for both health services and mental wellness was critical,” continued Manley. “Building a stronger Illinois begins with ensuring affordable, quality health care for all residents, so I urge the governor to sign this important measure into law.”