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.

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

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure proposed by State Senator Laura Murphy, medications could be easier to obtain during shortages.

“When you are a patient dealing with a long-term illness or condition, the last thing you want to hear is that your medication is out of stock, but the name brand — which isn’t covered by your insurance — is in stock and you’ll have to pay hundreds more just to get the medicine you need,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It is even worse when you have to call every local pharmacy and get the same answer. We need to ensure better outcomes for our patients by ensuring that they have access to the medications that they need.”

Murphy’s measure would require health insurance and managed care plans to cover brand name prescription drugs if the generic drug is unavailable during a nationwide shortage.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after hearing the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal:

“I appreciate the governor’s diligence in creating a budget proposal that does not put the burden on the backs of the middle class. It is vital to continue to provide services that we need, while continuing to protect our working families.

“I am thrilled to hear the governor’s commitment to funding education. Educating our children is the most important function of government. This budget's prioritization of our children will ensure Illinois’ success. An investment in our students is an investment in all our futures. An educated child produces an educated workforce that stabilizes our economy.

“In the coming months, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to negotiate a budget that provides support to hard-working Illinoisans. We must prioritize our working families, provide much-needed funding for developmental disability services and improve the state’s fiscal health by paying down debts.”