Consumer groups seek passage of health accessibility bill

A bill aimed at making it easier for individuals to buy and keep health insurance drew support today from health advocate and consumer groups concerned about the loss of employer-sponsored health care as unemployment rises.

Murriel Riedesel, a member of the American Association of Retired Persons Illinois state legislative council, said at a Rockford news conference the groups will lobby state senators for passage of the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, which passed in the House on April 3.

The bill, H.B. 3923, will strengthen the Office of Consumer Health Insurance to advocate for patient rights and conduct independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases by insurance companies and will require insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care.

“When people lose their jobs, they often lose their health care, too,” Riedesel said. “Families are being forced to cut back on health care, skipping medications and postponing needed treatment because they can’t afford it.”

The bill also will require simplifying the insurance application process for individuals and small groups with a standard application.

Emily Miller, a staff attorney for the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, said insurance companies can cancel coverage for people who made mistakes on complicated application forms and “this increases the accountability and predictability of insurance plans. It’s a down payment on making health care affordable and accessible for Illinoisans.”

Opponents of the measure argue the bill’s requirements would increase costs that would be passed on to consumers in higher premiums but Gerardo Cardenas, AARP’s associate state director of communications, said similar laws in 15 states that require companies to spend up to 85 percent of premium dollars on medical care have not contributed to premium increases.

Riedesel said consumers interested in supporting the bill can tell their state senators by calling 800-664-9903.

The Illinois General Assembly is on break, and Cardenas said the bill must be assigned to a Senate committee when it returns.  

Staff writer Mike DeDoncker can be reached at 815-987-1382 or mdedoncker@rrstar.com.