Illinois Senate Passes Seizure Detection Device Coverage Bill as Advocates Push for Insurance Mandate
Illinois Senate passes bill requiring insurance coverage for seizure detection devices with $50 annual cost sharing cap
Senate Bill 2782 Requires Insurance Coverage For Seizure Detection Devices With Maximum $50 Annual Cost Sharing
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday that would require private health insurance companies to cover seizure detection devices, with a maximum annual cost-sharing amount of $50 per person. Senate Bill 2782 now heads to the House for further consideration.
The legislation comes as advocates push for better access to FDA-approved devices that alert people of oncoming or ongoing seizures. These tools could cost anywhere between $250 to $2,000, making them prohibitively expensive for many patients without insurance coverage.
Critical Step For Seizure Disorder Patients
"Expanding access to these devices is a critical step in ensuring longer and healthier lives for everyone," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), the bill sponsor. "By requiring coverage through health insurance plans, we are creating new pathways for those who suffer from a seizure disorder to get the care they deserve."
The bill requires group insurance companies to provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices. The maximum out-of-pocket cost for patients would be capped at $50 per year.
The Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council opposes the bill, arguing it is difficult to see how private insurance can cover the cost if the state cannot absorb the price in its own health plan.
140,000 People In Illinois Affected
The Danny Did Foundation has stepped in to fill the gap in access to seizure detection devices through charity. Foundation president Tom Stanton said charity should not replace insurance coverage.
"FDA-cleared devices are not convenience items," Stanton said. "Even insurance companies have recognized that in referring patients to our nonprofit for support. These doctor-prescribed devices are essential tools for a chronic disease that impacts 140,000 people in Illinois."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 2.9 million adults and 456,000 children across the United States suffer from epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Multiple seizure detection devices are approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use by patients to alert the person or authorized users of an oncoming or occurring seizure.
These devices allow the patient or caregiver to get themselves or others to safety and administer rescue medication in a timely manner.
Senate Vote 48-7
Senate Bill 2782 passed out of the Senate on a 48-7 vote. The legislation now moves to the Illinois House for consideration.
The bill requires health insurance plans, excluding State Employee Groups Health plans, to provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices subject to a maximum cost-sharing amount of $50 per plan year.
"This bill would require group insurance companies to provide coverage for medically necessary devices with a maximum cost-sharing amount of $50 per year," the legislation states.
Advocates Say Detection Is First Line Defense
Morrison led the legislation through the Senate. "Detection is a first line defense for many diseases and disorders, but it is only helpful if the technology or education that can alert a patient or their loved ones is accessible to them," Morrison said.
"By expanding access to life-saving medical technology, like seizure detection devices for those suffering from seizure disorders, we are taking an active step in preventing hospitalizations and improving quality of life for residents."
The bill advances the cause of seizure disorder patients who currently rely on out-of-pocket payments or nonprofit organizations to afford these essential medical devices.
Sources:
- WAND TV: https://www.wandtv.com/news/statehouse/il-senate-passes-bill-requiring-insurance-coverage-for-seizure-detection-devices/article_373b09f0-05d2-4ddc-b086-80cc3c965cd5.html
- Insurance News Net: https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/morrison-advances-measure-ensuring-insurance-coverage-for-seizure-detection-devices