SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s initiative to improve the 988 system in Illinois was signed into law on Tuesday. The measure institutes a task force which will build upon data collected over the past year to make improvements in the 988 hotline. This is the new number to call for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

“In its first year in operation, the 988 hotline has been lifesaving for countless Illinoisans in a mental health crisis,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “As the 988 system continues to grow, we want to make sure it continues to operate effectively so callers can get the best care possible. This task force will provide recommendations on necessary improvements to the 988 system.”

Last year, Illinois launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline, offering 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing a mental health-related crisis.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to eliminate hurdles patients with HMO health insurance policies face when seeking treatment by medical specialists was signed into law on Tuesday.

“It can be frustrating for HMO policy holders to wait for referrals before seeking the care they need,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “With this new law, patients will no longer have to use valuable time and money and jump through unnecessary hoops.”

House Bill 1186 allows patients with HMO health insurance policies to make appointments and receive care with in-network specialists covered by their insurance, eliminating the requirement to get a referral from a general practitioner. This allows patients with HMO policies to get the care they need in a timely manner.

House Bill 1186 was signed into law on June 27, 2023. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect consumers from rising health care costs, today Senator Fine's legislation, House Bill 2296, became law. The new law allows the state to review and approve or reject health insurance rate changes and make the process more transparent.

"Health insurers in Illinois have been able to increase their rates with few guard rails, making purchasing insurance inaccessible to many working Illinoisans and small businesses,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Under this law, the Department of Insurance will be able to reject unsubstantiated increases to make sure care is accessible and affordable for Illinois residents.”

House Bill 2296 protects consumers by giving the Illinois Department of Insurance the authority to approve, modify or deny excessive premium rate increases for individuals and small businesses. The legislation also provides transparency in the process by which insurance companies change their rates by requiring DOI to post proposed rates on their website with space for members of the public to comment.

In addition, DOI will also publish an annual report on coverage, affordability and cost transparency to examine the trends of health care rates, as well as information on financial assistance for consumers and small businesses who have been struggling to stay open with rising costs of insurance for their families and employees.

SPRINGFIELD – With growing demands for mental health providers to support patients struggling with substance use, State Senator Laura Fine is encouraging people to become recovery support specialists through a new initiative expanding the behavioral health workforce student loan forgiveness program.

“If we want people struggling with alcohol and substance abuse to receive the help they need to recover, we need to invest in the people working to become recovery support specialists,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Thanks to this law, professionals will be able to get assistance for debts they took on while studying to become counselors, providing them financial relief and encouragement to enter this vital field.”  

The Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program was created to address the shortage of community-based behavioral workers in Illinois so that there are fewer disparities in access to critical mental health and substance use services. Starting in 2024, the program will also include alcohol and drug counselors along with mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and psychiatrists.