Vella-Backed Legislation Expanding Health Care Coverage Signed into Law

ROCKFORD, Ill. – To ensure that all residents have access to quality health care coverage, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, passed legislation that was recently signed into law by Gov. Pritzker that includes a number of expansions to Illinois’ Medicaid system that provides additional support to the residents who need it most.

“After a year in which our community dealt with a global health care crisis, the importance of having an inclusive and comprehensive health care system has never been more pressing,” said Vella. “Everyone deserves to have access to quality health care, and this legislation will ensure that no Illinoisan is left behind.”

Vella voted in favor of Senate Bill 2294, which was signed into law last week. The law makes a number of changes to Illinois’ Medicaid system that will enhance the health care coverage Medicaid provides to Illinoisans. These changes include the addition of veteran support specialists to ensure veterans have access to the services they need, an expansion of mental health resources, and requiring patients who are experiencing an opioid overdose are given in-patient status, ensuring they are not turned away from potentially life-saving care.

Throughout his time in the General Assembly, Vella has worked to increase the affordability and accessibility of health care. This session, he co-sponsored legislation allowing unused prescription drugs to be donated and distributed to patients. He also helped pass legislation that requires insurance companies to offer insurance plans with a flat-dollar copay prescription drug payment structure, increasing pricing transparency.

“When it comes to the health of residents, we must ensure that there are ample resources available so that everyone’s medical needs are being met,” said Vella. “As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I will continue to work to ensure residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare.”