Murphy proposes new Medicaid subcommittee

• Medicaid
• SB2655

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is working to form a new Medicaid subcommittee to help streamline the Medicaid system in Illinois.

“The Medicaid system is the cornerstone of health care for individuals with developmental disabilities, yet navigating its complexities can be daunting,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “With the subcommittee, we seek to remove these barriers and create a more efficient, person-centered Medicaid system that puts individuals and their needs first.”

The measure would create a subcommittee under the Medicaid Advisory Committee at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The subcommittee would consist of 30 members, including the directors of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Illinois Department of Insurance, as well as social workers, parent advocates, representatives from statewide health organizations and members of the General Assembly.

One goal of the new subcommittee is developing and proposing policies to increase the state’s Medicaid provider networks to give Medicaid clients more choice. It would also work toward streamlining the Medicaid system and making it more efficient to improve quality of care.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care,” Murphy said. “By exploring new ways to expand the network of Medicaid providers, we pave the way for improved access to essential services, fostering a health care system that leaves no one behind.”

Senate Bill 2655 passed the Senate Wednesday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

Murphy advances initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners

• Mobile home parks

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy, residents of mobile home parks could see improved transparency and protections.

“Access to information about tenants’ rights is crucial for promoting stability and preventing exploitation,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Empowering residents allows them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and their rights effectively.”

Under current state law, mobile home park owners are required to obtain a license to operate. If a park owner fails to maintain their license, the tenants are not required to pay rent. Murphy’s measure would ensure no tenant could be evicted for failing to pay rent to an unlicensed mobile home park. A mobile home owner would retain the ability to evict a tenant for failure to comply with park rules, nonpayment of actual rent due, and failure to comply with local ordinances and state laws regulating mobile homes.

Read more: Murphy advances initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners

Murphy’s measure to address paper check fraud advances

• Paper Check Fraud
• Consumer protection
• SB 2029

SPRINGFIELD – Victims of paper check fraud are one step closer to relief thanks to a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Instances of paper check fraud have been on the rise in the last few years, and the regulations in place don’t always protect consumers,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Victims can wait months for relief and still never see it. Hardworking Illinoisans deserve better.”

Paper check fraud often involves what is known as “check washing,” a process of stealing an existing check and altering it to reflect a larger value and a different payee. Under Murphy’s measure, financial institutions would be required to investigate paper check fraud within 10 business days after receiving notice from a customer. If it is determined that fraud occurred, the institution would need to refund the customer’s account with the amount of the fraud within one business day.

If the financial institution isn’t able to complete the investigation within 10 days, it would need to credit the customer’s account in the amount of the alleged fraud within one business day. The institution could then take up to 45 days to determine whether fraud occurred.

Read more: Murphy’s measure to address paper check fraud advances

Murphy’s proposal would increase access to Alzheimer’s treatments

• SB 3318
• Alzheimer's disease
• medication

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy, treatments for Alzheimer’s disease may become more accessible.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and debilitating condition that requires prompt and appropriate treatment,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Every moment counts for patients and their families facing this devastating disease, by removing barriers to treatment we allow them to receive timely and effective care.”

The measure would require the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It would also require the program to cover all diagnostic testing for a physician to determine the appropriate use of treatments or medications.

In addition, the treatments would not be subject to step therapy, which requires patients to take one or more alternative medications or treatments before they can access the one prescribed by their doctor. Many available treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease. Roadblocks such as step therapy can delay or prevent those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s from receiving those treatments.

“Recognizing the urgency of addressing the complex needs of patients living with Alzheimer’s ensures that they receive timely access to treatments that may slow the progression of the disease and improve their overall quality of life.” Murphy said.

Senate Bill 3318 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday. It now goes to the full Senate for further deliberation