Jones-Backed Law Providing Health Care Coverage for Skin Cancer Screenings Now in Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The fight to provide affordable health care to all Illinoisans will get a boost from a new law backed by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, which requires health insurance plans to cover annual preventative skin cancer screenings.

“Big insurance companies have been slashing coverage of screenings and preventative care without any concern for their patients’ wellbeing. People forego this critical checkup because it costs them too much, and some may be put at risk of losing their lives for it,” Jones said. “Skin cancer screenings can prevent people from being forced to deal with serious medical problems, and even save them from years of hardship. Cost should never stand in the way of care.”

Jones backed House Bill 3113, which requires all medical and accident insurance to cover 100% of the costs of yearly screenings for skin cancer, even if they are not part of a routine dermatology inspection. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020, around 3,700 people in Illinois will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. Many victims of skin cancer can experience a strong recovery as a result of early detection. This legislation took effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

“Despite the best efforts of big insurance interests and pharmaceutical companies, we are going to build a stronger Illinois with more affordable health care for everyone,” Jones said. “This law is a victory in the fight for that goal, but it is only one step. I will continue to work to lower the cost of health care for everyone in our community.”