SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease may become more accessible thanks to a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Early and consistent access to Alzheimer’s treatment can make a real difference for patients and their families,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “No one should be denied care that could slow the disease’s progression.”

The measure would require group or individual health insurance plans to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Many available treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease.

It would also include coverage of all diagnostic testing for a physician to determine the appropriate use of treatments or medications.

“Everyone deserves to have access to the treatment that they need, especially when it comes to Alzheimer’s,” Murphy said. “Timely treatments may slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life, which is why we need to remove roadblocks to prompt medical care.”

Senate Bill 126 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – A proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy would make certain equine therapies more accessible by requiring health insurance coverage for the services.

“Offering coverage for equine therapy is a testament to the state’s commitment to personalized, patient-centered care,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By allowing occupational therapists the flexibility to offer this service to their patients, they can meet the unique needs of their patients and enhance their quality of life and well-being.”

Equine therapy is a term that encompasses therapies that involve interacting with horses, including specific therapies used by physical, occupational and speech therapists to engage different sensory responses for patients. It has proven to be particularly effective with veterans with PTSD and children with autism.

Under Murphy’s measure, medically necessary equine therapy performed by a licensed therapist and other forms of therapeutic riding programs would be covered by health insurance and managed care plans.

“By recognizing the unique benefits of equine therapy, we empower individuals to access therapies that resonate with their individual strengths and foster a sense of empowerment in the healing process,” Murphy said.

Senate Bill 69 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – Children who walk to and from school would be safer under a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“School zones should be the safest places for children, but distracted drivers and speeders pose a hazard that needs to be addressed,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Installing flashing beacons at crosswalks is a simple, effective way to prevent accidents and protect students and their parents on their daily commutes.”

Senate Bill 1941 allows local governments to install rapidly flashing beacons at pedestrian crosswalks near elementary and secondary schools. These beacons activate when pedestrians use the crosswalk, alerting drivers to their presence.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“Once again, the governor has proposed a balanced budget for Illinois which continues to provide needed services without raising taxes on middle-class families.

“By prioritizing critical programs that Illinois families rely on, the proposal keeps our state on a path toward growth and opportunity. It is a proposal that puts people first while navigating a complex fiscal landscape. Despite financial challenges, this budget takes a responsible approach to ensuring stability and continued investment in our communities.

“The governor’s proposal to provide baccalaureate degrees for community college will have a major impact on students at Oakton and Harper, hopefully allowing more students access to higher education.

“The proposal does the difficult job of ensuring vital services continue to be funded, regardless of the funding our state has yet to receive from the federal government. We are all going to need to come together to ensure the financial needs of this state are addressed in a fair and equitable way.

“The spirit of collaboration and unity is one we must all embrace, and by working together, I believe we can forge a path through the coming years to ensure Illinois remains a great state.”