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December 28, 2024
Illinois Seniors, Here’s What You Need to Know About New Laws for 2025
Illinois Seniors, Here’s What You Need to Know About New Laws for 2025
As we approach the new year, Illinois is rolling out nearly 300 new laws and some will affect seniors and retirees in a variety of important ways. From healthcare improvements to protections for caregivers, here’s what seniors need to know about the new laws that take effect on January 1, 2025.
Key Healthcare Changes
- Caregiver Protection in the Workplace
Starting in 2025, caregivers will be protected from workplace discrimination under HB 2161. This law prevents employers from taking adverse action against employees who have caregiving responsibilities, whether for children, spouses, elderly parents, or other loved ones. This provides caregivers the support they need without fear of losing their job. - Health Reform Legislation and Patient Rights
Governor Pritzker’s health reform legislation, which goes into effect January 1, marks a significant win for patients. HB 5395 bans the practice of “step therapy,” where insurance companies require patients to try and fail on other treatments before covering the one prescribed by a doctor. With this new law, doctors, not insurers, will make treatment decisions, ensuring that care is tailored to your needs. - Insurance Coverage for Emergency Mental Health Treatment
Another important provision in HB 5395 is the ban on requiring prior authorization for emergency inpatient mental health treatment. This means that when a mental health crisis strikes, individuals will receive the care they need without delays or barriers from insurance companies. - Prescription Medication Access and Cost Reductions
SB 2672 requires health insurance plans to cover brand-name prescription medications when the generic equivalent is out of stock. This is a huge relief for seniors who depend on consistent medication availability. Additionally, the cost of epinephrine injections (like EpiPens) will be capped at $60 per two-pack, regardless of the brand. Prescription inhalers will also be capped at $25, and insurers can no longer deny or limit coverage for these critical treatments. - Free Vaccines and Alzheimer’s Treatment Coverage
Starting in 2025, life-saving vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV will be provided free of charge for those covered under group or individual managed care plans. Furthermore, the State Employee Group Insurance Program will now be required to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments and medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Support for Veterans and Their Caregivers
Veterans and their caregivers will also see improvements in 2025. Specifically, they will no longer have to pay for building permit fees related to accommodations for a disability. This law helps ease the financial burden of making homes more accessible for veterans and their loved ones.
Improvements in Long-Term Care
- Permanent Medication Aide Pilot Program
Addressing the workforce shortage in long-term care facilities, the Medication Aide Pilot Program has been made permanent. Only facilities with high Medicare ratings will be eligible to participate, ensuring that seniors receive high-quality care. - Automatic Eligibility for Community Care Program Services
Seniors applying for the Community Care Program and Medicaid will now be presumed eligible for services while their Medicaid application is processed. Streamlining the process reduces wait times and helps ensure that seniors get the care they need without unnecessary delays. - Coverage for Prosthetics and Orthotics
Illinois will now cover medically necessary prosthetic or custom orthotic devices for all residents, regardless of age. This is a big win for everyone who need these devices to maintain mobility and independence.
What Else Is Changing?
- Expanded Authority for the Illinois Department of Insurance: The Illinois Department of Insurance will have expanded powers over premium rates, potentially resulting in more affordable health insurance options for seniors.
- Evidence-Based Cancer Imaging: High-risk individuals will now have access to evidence-based cancer imaging, ensuring earlier detection and more effective treatment.
Stay Informed and Take Action
With nearly 300 new laws set to take effect in Illinois, 2025 promises to be a year of significant change, particularly for seniors. To learn more about all of the new laws, check out the full list of public acts on the Illinois General Assembly’s website. The Illinois Senate Democrats and Republicans have also prepared documents summarizing each new law, which can help you understand how these changes may affect you.
These new laws represent a major step forward in improving healthcare access, protecting caregivers, and supporting Illinois seniors in living healthier, more secure lives. Stay informed, take advantage of these new protections, and enjoy the benefits of these changes in the year ahead!