Faver Dias-Led Expansion of Menopause Healthcare Coverage Passes, Advances Reproductive Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, continuing her efforts to secure reproductive rights, passed a measure to expand healthcare coverage of hormone therapy for menopause-related medical problems out of the House.

“All too often, women’s healthcare needs don’t get the substantial consideration they deserve. Serious medical challenges related to menopause are unfortunately no exception,” Faver Dias said. “When women experience menopause-related medical issues that are truly debilitating, and licensed physicians deem hormone therapy as the solution, that should be the end of the discussion. Universal coverage in those situations is the only path forward, and today we made great progress towards guaranteeing that coverage.”

House Bill 5295 was crafted to ensure that all people going through menopause have sufficient medical care, regardless of their income. The bill is the result of constituent conversations, and backed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Planned Parenthood IL and the Illinois State Medical Society. It passed the House unanimously and will soon be heard in the Senate.

“Complications due to menopause affect many Illinois women today, some in ways which are especially draining,” Faver Dias said. “Making this measure a law won’t simply help those who are struggling right now, it will provide support to millions more who have yet to confront the possibility of these problems.”