Crespo Backed Measure Providing Protections for People with Pre-existing Conditions Goes Into Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, which prevents health insurance companies from denying care to Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions has gone into effect as of Jan. 1, 2018.

“With all of the chaos coming out of Washington, we must be proactive in order to protect the healthcare of every Illinois resident,” Crespo said. “This is a crucial measure that will prevent big insurance companies from denying care to those who need it most, regardless of what President Trump and his extreme allies in Congress do.”

Crespo voted to pass state-level protections for people with pre-existing conditions like cancer, diabetes or heart disease. While Donald Trump and his extreme allies in Congress have continued to fight to weaken protections for these at-risk individuals, the Crespo-backed bill would prevent insurance companies that sell policies in Illinois from denying care to someone because on their medical history. According to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, about 26 percent of non-elderly Illinoisans have a pre-existing condition.

“In a time of increased partisanship, I am encouraged to have seen both sides of the aisle work together to put in place common sense protections,” Crespo said. “Middle-class families and seniors deserve the peace of mind when it comes to their healthcare, and this new law will protect their access to life-saving services.”