Stuart Passes Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage of Hormonal Menopause Treatment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is working to help patients manage menopause symptoms, certain types of cancer, and other conditions by sponsoring and passing legislation requiring insurance companies to cover up to 12 months of hormone replacement therapy medication.

“People across gender and age may benefit from hormone replacement therapy, from menopause to cancer-related hormone changes,” said Stuart. “Allowing these populations to access treatment to ease or totally eliminate symptoms could be life changing for many Illinoisans.”

Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for severe menopause symptoms, endometriosis, and certain cancers, as well as a valuable prescription for patients seeking to prevent osteoporosis. Stuart’s House Bill 5492 will require insurance companies to provide coverage for hormone replacement therapy and any required supplies for treatment over a period of 12 months. This will allow prescription refill-oriented appointments to be held annually, and for medication to be dispensed in longer periods where a patient may be away from their pharmacy.

“Longer prescription periods will allow so many in our rural community to have easy access to their therapy without travelling repeatedly to pharmacies and doctors appointments,” said Stuart. “So long as a medical professional deems it reasonable or necessary to provide a 12 month prescription, insurance coverage should cover the prescription.”

The bill passed in the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.