SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her efforts to develop fiscally and socially responsible budgets, protect communities from gun violence, and help families make ends meet in a new term in the Illinois House.

“It is truly an honor to continue representing the communities of the 49th District, and to be back in Springfield doing the work that I love to do for Illinois families and constituents,” said Hirschauer. “This session, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility so we can provide economic relief to the people of Illinois. I will continue to fight for commonsense gun safety policies that will keep our communities safe, and focus on access to affordable healthcare for all.”

Hirschauer began a new term Wednesday, with a focus on protecting access to the critical service people need to be their best during difficult financial times. Over her time in the House, Hirschauer has championed balanced budgets that also make smart investments in local schools, in affordable college education, and in healthcare and senior care. That will remain a top priority as finances tighten and federal leaders push severe cuts to the resources working families and seniors need.

Hirschauer will also continue working to crack down on hidden ‘junk fees’ that increase the cost of everyday essentials. In 2024, Hirschauer eliminated a state grocery tax to help offset some rising costs in fluctuating markets. She also worked to address the rising cost of healthcare, by controlling premium increases, cracking down on gimmicks that deny people access to care, and getting junk insurance plans out of the market.

“As inflation and costs increase, I strive to maintain an economy that will support working people and families in my district who are struggling to put food on their tables and make ends meet,” said Hirschauer. “I will continue my work on passing a statewide safe firearm storage policy that will save lives. Our number one job in the General Assembly is to keep our constituents safe and provide support for them and their families to live full and healthy lives. I look forward to continuing the work of the people.”

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.