The Democrat signed legislation codifying one of his top initiatives of last spring’s legislation session, the Healthcare Protection Act, which outlaws step therapy, prior authorization for mental health crises and junk insurance.
“For too long, insurance companies have used predatory tactics to make an extra dime at the expense of Illinois consumers,” Pritzker said.
“For too long, patients have (been) delayed or been denied medically necessary treatments because of profit-driver utilization management practices.”.
The laws, parts of which take effect on Jan. 1, 2025 and others a year later, ban so-called step therapy, also known as “fail first.”
“Coverage doesn’t always equal care — until today,” said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of the nonprofit mental health advocacy group, Inseparable.
The legislation was drawn up after consulting medical professionals on the roadblocks they face to providing effective care, according to Pritzker’s office.
Insurers must clearly explain prior authorization requirements in their advertising under the laws. »
