ISMS Backed Measure Supporting Domestic Violence Victims is Closer to Becoming Law
June 9, 2023
Last month the Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 1384 that amends the Accident and Health Insurance Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. The amendment provides that effective Jan. 1, 2025, health insurers and managed care plans cannot deny coverage for medically necessary reconstructive services that are intended to restore physical appearance for injuries sustained due to domestic violence. In addition, the bill includes that medically necessary reconstructive services that are intended to restore physical appearance must be covered under the medical assistance program for persons who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance.
House Bill 1384 is the direct result of an ISMS resolution, which was authored members of the Medical Student Section. Their resolution called for legislation to be passed that would require all third-party payers, including Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), to reimburse necessary aesthetic services provided for treatment of physical injury in addition to the medically required restorative care provided to victims of domestic and intimate partner abuse.
The bill will next be sent to Governor Pritzker’s desk.
If you have questions, please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs Erin O'Brien by email.