Avelar Pushes for Improved Health Care, Aimed At Quality and Accessibility

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Working to expand access to better and more affordable healthcare coverage for Illinois families, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is backing a new measure aimed to reduce costs and hold big insurance companies accountable.

“We all know someone who’s struggled to afford medical care or has been hit with skyrocketing insurance premiums. We must cultivate a health care system that works for us, not against us,” said Avelar. “Because when we fight for affordable, accessible care and hold insurance companies accountable, we’re not just advocating policies — we’re safeguarding our health, our finances, and our futures overall.”

The Avelar-backed House Bill 5395 delivers a series of major reforms to make health care coverage better and more affordable. The new Health Care Protection Act would create a rave review process requiring insurance companies to justify premium increases, and empowering state watchdogs to reject unwarranted hikes that simply pad profits.

Additionally, the measure curbs practices insurance companies use to deny access to medically necessary treatments, procedures, and prescription medications; instead, doctors and patients would be empowered to make important medical decisions — not insurance companies. The bill also stops insurance companies from selling inadequate short-term healthcare plans that provide little or no coverage.