Mason Prioritizes Affordable Health Care

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is fighting to build a stronger Illinois by supporting an initiative to expand telehealth services and explore potential solutions to make health insurance more affordable.

“It has been no secret that expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care is a top priority of mine, especially as our fight to curb COVID-19 continues,” Mason said. “This unprecedented situation has brought to the forefront the reality of how our state suffers when families do not have proper health care access.”

Mason voted for Senate Bill 1864, which calls for research on how to make health care more affordable in Illinois and expand accessibility to patients regardless of socioeconomic background. This measure would direct state agencies responsible for regulating insurance and health care to report to the General Assembly and the governor to help craft effective policy solutions. Additionally, the bill expands telehealth services as many communities continue to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mason has been a consistent champion for health care affordability and access. She has sponsored numerous pieces of legislation aimed at capping drug costs and insurance premiums, such as Senate Bill 667, which caps the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $100 per 30-day supply. She continues to advocate for health care-related financial freedom by introducing, sponsoring and supporting legislation on the issue.

“It’s clear that innovative solutions must be found to combat the ongoing issue of rising health care costs and limited accessibility to health services within our rural communities. We must work diligently to ensure that no one goes without, especially on the tail end of a global health crisis,” continued Mason. “I applaud both my Democrat and Republican colleagues for acknowledging this issue and doing their part to find a solution that works for all people in Illinois. I urge the governor to take quick action in signing this important measure into law.”

The Mason-backed measure passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to the governor’s desk to become law.