In Peoria, Gov. Pritzker promotes healthcare bill to limit insurers power in determining treatment options [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – Gov. JB Pritzker visited the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria on Monday, part of his statewide tour touting legislation seeking to reduce the influence insurance companies have on determining patients’ healthcare options.

The bill (HB5395) passed the Illinois House last week on a bipartisan vote of 81-25. The Senate will now consider the measure that aims to ban junk insurance plans, end unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies, and improve network adequacy for patients.

The legislation would also ban the practice known as “step” or “fail first” therapies in which insurance companies require patients to try and fail alternative medications before covering doctors’ recommended prescriptions.

“For far too long, insurance companies, not doctors, have been free to determine what treatment options patients should have and how quickly they can receive it. With this bill, we’re putting power back in the hands of patients and their doctors,” said Pritzker.

Senior Pritzker advisor Emily Miller acknowledged during a recent legislative …