Rep. Mary Gill

Recognizes the flag of the former Republic of Vietnam as the official symbol of the Vietnamese American community in the State of Illinois and the United States. Recognizes the flag of the former Republic of Vietnam as a symbol of hope, love, and freedom for the Vietnamese American community in Illinois. Honors the contributions of Vietnamese Americans to the State over the last 50 years. Honors and recognizes the contributions of the veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Encourages all citizens of Illinois to call for freedom, human rights, and democracy in Vietnam.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, to file an amendment to the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2026, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' average wage increases and who work in residential and community day services settings. Provides that for services delivered on or after January 1, 2026, the rates shall include adjustments to employment-related expenses as defined by rule by the Department of Human Services. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules, including emergency rules, to implement the rate increases. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to submit a Title XIX State Plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2026, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel at ID/DD and MC/DD facilities. Provides that the State Plan amendment shall provide wage increases for all residential non-executive direct care staff. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 shall provide coverage for all medically necessary diagnostic testing and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments or medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease or another related dementia, in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration label, as determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Provides that coverage of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments or medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease or another related dementia shall not be subject to step therapy. Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act to require coverage under those provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Accident and Health Insurance Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that when an insured person or policyholder requests, in writing, from the insurance issuer a confirmation of the current outstanding balance due from the insured person or policyholder, the insurance issuer may charge a fee of no more than $40 to provide that information. Requires the fee to be reasonably related to the work and time required to confirm the total balance owed. Sets forth requirements that must be met before an insurance issuer may turn an outstanding balance over to a collection agent, including requiring a written communication to the insured person or policyholder from whom money is owed, requiring the insurer to allow the insured person or policyholder 7 calendar days after receipt of the written communication to either confirm receipt of the written communication and agree to pay or to request a different time frame, and the insurer to attempt in good faith to agree on a time frame for all outstanding moneys owed to be paid. Provides that if an agreement to pay is not reached within 7 calendar days after receipt of the written notice or payment is not made by the agreed-upon time frame, the insurance issuer may turn the delinquent account over to a collection agent.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Deletes an affirmative defense to the charge of patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution that the accused reasonably believed that the person was of the age of 18 years or over or was not a person with a severe or profound intellectual disability at the time of the act giving rise to the charge.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any third-party hotel booking service to facilitate the reservation or booking of a physical accommodation in the State without providing specified disclosures to the consumer. Sets forth requirements for the disclosure, including that it is clear and conspicuous. Defines terms. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group health benefit plan shall not impose any prior authorization requirements on outpatient services for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, or treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates August 27 of each year as Hero Day, to be observed as a day throughout the State to recognize those whose unwavering commitment to public safety has earned them our great respect, esteem, and gratitude. Effective immediately.

Amends the ID/DD Community Care Act. Provides that, by no later than January 1, 2026, the Department of Public Health shall adopt and implement streamlined and person-centered procedures for appealing a resident assessment conducted by the inspection of care team. Requires the Department to adopt rules, including emergency rules, to implement the provisions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make a conforming change. Effective July 1, 2025.