Manley Backs Reforms to Make Health Care More Affordable, Expand Access to Care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –  Illinois families will have access to better and more affordable healthcare coverage under a new measure backed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Romeoville, aiming to reduce costs and hold big insurance companies accountable.

“What matters most when you or a family member falls ill? Access, affordability, and assurance your health won’t bankrupt you. That’s why improving access to affordable coverage in Illinois isn’t just a policy debate — it’s personal,”  said Manley. “Quality of care should never be determined by someone’s bank account. This legislation bridges an exhaustive gap in care that determines whether a hard-working family can afford a doctor’s visit, a prescription, or a procedure. We must hold insurance companies accountable by ensuring costs remain fair and transparent.”

The Manley-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 rate 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.