Harper Passes Measure that Encourages Better Health Outcomes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – A huge proponent of advancing equity in Illinois, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is ensuring that Illinoisans have access to treatments that promote better health outcomes. 

“We want all Illinois residents to live healthy, long lives,” Harper said. “An essential part of that is making sure that everyone, regardless of their background, benefits from advancements in protection, diagnosis, and the overall treatment of genetic conditions, because it motivates them to make informed choices about their health, providing them and their families with a well- deserved peace of mind.” 

Under current law, genetic medicine and counseling services are not subject to any network adequacy standards the way that almost every form of medicine is. 

Harper led House Bill 1331, which requires the Department of Insurance to consider establishing ratios for genetic medicine and genetic counseling providers. As amended, this measure will require Network plans to demonstrate their network meets the minimum ratio of providers to beneficiaries as established by the Department for all of these provider types in order to become adequate.  

“The earlier you know about the possibility of a certain illness due to inherited conditions, the better,” Harper said. “Not only does it give you and your family an opportunity to plan accordingly, it gives health care physicians the opportunity to step in early, which is essential for overcoming an illness.”