CHICAGO –To ensure that Illinoisans can access affordable remote healthcare services, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will require insurance companies to provide policyholders coverage for telehealth services at a level equal to in-person services.
“The pandemic has affected every aspect of our society, especially our healthcare system,” said Slaughter. “As we face these new challenges, we must make sure that our insurance agencies provide people with the coverage they need to get the services they require during these unprecedented times.”
House Bill 3308, which recently passed both chambers of the General Assembly and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. This legislation aims to ensure that Illinoisans’ access to healthcare is unimpeded by insurance companies by mandating that insurance companies cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services through the end of 2027. Additionally, mental health and substance abuse services will be covered beyond this 2027 sunset date.
“Although we have made a lot of progress in expanding people’s access to healthcare, there is still a lot that can be done,” said Slaughter. “I look forward to returning to Springfield and continuing to look for ways to safeguard our right to healthcare.”