BATAVIA, Ill. – More than 52,000 Illinois families have had old medical bills wiped out under a new debt relief plan backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia. 

“Even families that have worked hard and done everything right can face crushing medical debt because of insurance company red tape and gimmicks,” Hirschauer said. “Medical debt is one of the most common causes of bankruptcy, and hits communities of color even harder. I am proud to support this program as it will give back to our communities living in poverty and relieve that financial burden caused by medical bills.” 

Hirschauer passed House Bill 5290 last May, creating the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program, which will eliminate up to $1 billion in medical debt by purchasing old bills from debt collectors and hospitals for just pennies on the dollar. The state recently announced relief for 52,745 residents, totaling $72 billion in savings for families, with more relief forthcoming. 

“The constant cycle of medical bills adds up for those who may not have the luxury of health insurance, but even then, the gimmicks that hospitals, insurance companies, and medical facilities use to debt people needs to be stopped,” Hirschauer said. “That is why this is only one step in a bigger plan to reduce medical debt for families who really need it and allow them to feel relief before the holidays.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois families will have access to better and more affordable health care coverage under new laws backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, aiming to reduce costs and hold big insurance companies accountable.

“The Healthcare Protection Act brings groundbreaking changes to our healthcare system. By eliminating junk insurance, abolishing step therapy and prior authorization for mental health, tackling ghost networks, and reducing insurance premiums to make healthcare better and more affordable, we will significantly enhance healthcare in Illinois,” said Hirschauer. “This is a pivotal moment for healthcare equity, setting a new standard for future improvements to ensure a healthier Illinois.”

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 5395 and House Bill 2499 were signed into law Wednesday, delivering a series of major reforms to make health care coverage better and more affordable. The new Health Care Protection Act would create a rate review process requiring insurance companies to justify premium increases, and empowering state watchdogs to reject unwarranted hikes that simply pad profits.

Additionally, the measure curbs gimmicks insurance companies use to deny access to medically necessary treatments, procedures, and prescription medications, including step therapy—where insurance companies require a patient to ‘try and fail’ with cheap, ineffective treatments before covering the prescribed treatment or medication. Under the Healthcare Protection Act, doctors and patients will now be empowered to make important medical decisions—not insurance companies.

These measures also stop insurance companies from selling inadequate short-term healthcare plans that provide little or no coverage.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill.  — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement following an announcement that Walgreens will be adding Mifepristone, a life-saving reproductive health care medication, to some Illinois stores:

“Here in Illinois, reproductive freedom is a fundamental right. The measures my colleagues and I have passed in recent months — all while a radical Supreme Court and extremists come knocking on our door — prove that the state of Illinois is committed to prioritizing the right to bodily autonomy,” said Hirschauer. “Granting access to a life-saving reproductive health care medication such as mifepristone is a step in the right direction, but we know there is more work to be done as we create a future where reproductive justice is not just a promise — but a reality for all.”

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WEST CHICAGO, Ill.  — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“Yesterday, we began the hard work of crafting a state budget that reflects our shared values and that will benefit the millions of hardworking Illinoisians that call this state home,” Hirschauer said. “As always, I bring the needs of the 49th District with me to Springfield and will ensure that your voices are heard throughout the budget process. I am proud of the recent work we have done to create a legacy of fiscal responsibility — we will continue to spend our dollars wisely, making sound investments and spending within our means.”

“There is no greater investment we can make than in Illinois family and children,” continued Hirschauer. “I am thrilled that the Governor’s introduced budget prioritizes historic investments in childcare, early childhood, and public education. We will make Illinois the best state in which to raise your family with the brightest and boldest students in the nation. I am excited for the work ahead because when we invest in our communities and families, we all thrive.”

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