Greenwood Passes Measure Supporting Affordable Healthcare, Access to Treatment

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, advocated for access to healthcare for all people in Illinois in supporting the passage of many bills this week. The legislation will help relieve the financial burdens of those who cannot afford growing treatment costs.

“Every human being deserves the right to have their illnesses and ailments treated. We must do our part to increase access to healthcare,” said Greenwood. “With companies continuing to hike up the prices on items like insulin, families’ financial burdens continue to surmount and these actions are unjust. I am pleased my colleagues and I passed legislation to assist in alleviating some of this burden.”

On Monday, House Democrats passed numerous healthcare reform bills to ensure that all Illinoisans have access to affordable treatment. This legislation reflects the principle that good, comprehensive healthcare should not be restricted only to high-income families.

Following their commitment to provide high-quality medical care for all Illinoisans, Greenwood voted for the following legislation during the Democrats’ day of action on healthcare:

• House Bill 1465, which requires health insurance companies to file healthcare rate adjustments with the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) for approval. DOI is further required to reject any rate increases that unreasonably place too much of a financial burden on patients.
• House Bill 1466, which caps the cost of insulin at $35 for a 30-day supply and creates an emergency insulin discount program so people with diabetes don’t face a crushing financial burden to pay for vital medicine.
• House Bill 1462, which creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to review large cost increases for prescription drugs to ensure they are not overly financially taxing.
• House Resolution 807, which asserts our backing for healthcare as a human right that should be available to all Illinoisans.
• House Resolution 806, which affirms Illinois’ support for the federal passage of legislation capping the price of insulin at $35.

“With efforts like ours this past week, my hope is that we are closing the gap in access to treatment and allowing all to receive the services they need,” said Collins. “I stand with my community and vow to continue in the efforts to increase access to healthcare.”