Jones to Lead Effort for Health Equity as Chair of House Insurance Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, will lead the fight for expanded telehealth and mental health coverage and increased minority leadership in the insurance industry as the new chair of the House Insurance Committee.

“I am proud to take on the crucial role of leading Illinois’ ongoing effort to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care,” Jones said. “While we have made great strides recently in improving our insurance laws, there is still a lot of work to do, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This disease has exposed a clear flaw: health insurance does not cover telehealth or mental health care nearly enough. Many people who have been stuck indoors for the first time, who are isolated from many of their friends and families, need and deserve mental health assistance. However, lack of proper insurance coverage makes paying for that option impossible. My first priority will be to address this issue.”

Jones was recently chosen by House Speaker Chris Welch to lead the House Committee on Insurance in the coming session. In this role, Jones will set the agenda for the bills the committee considers and continue to guide his own legislation to the House floor for a vote. Jones was chosen for his experience fighting for a higher standard of insurance coverage in Illinois and his clear policy agenda for mental health and minority inclusion in the industry.

“Bringing more people of color into leadership positions in the insurance industry is also a priority for me,” Jones said. “Members of the Black and Latinx communities often don’t receive the treatment and coverage they need. Their guidance will bring new perspectives and help reform and equalize the industry for minority communities across Illinois. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to pursue these reforms.”