Rep. Dee Avelar

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Requires the State Employees Group Insurance Program to provide coverage for all FDA-approved treatments or medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease or another related dementia, as determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Provides that diagnostic testing necessary for a physician to determine the appropriate use of treatments or medications shall be covered by the State Employees Group Insurance Program.

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop, post, and maintain on its official website a comprehensive informational guide that explains the Medicaid 5-year look-back period as it applies to eligibility for long-term care coverage under the medical assistance program. Provides that the informational guide must be posted within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the contents of the informational guide must include a detailed explanation of the 5-year look-back period, including its purpose and relevance to eligibility for medical assistance; clear information on how the 5-year look-back period affects eligibility criteria, including income and asset requirements; step-by-step guidance on how the 5-year look-back period is calculated, including the start date and end date considerations; explanation of the consequences and implications of transfers or gifts made during the 5-year look-back period; information on exceptions and exemptions to the 5-year look-back period, clarifying circumstances where certain transfers or assets may not be subject to scrutiny; guidance on the documentation individuals may need to provide or maintain to demonstrate compliance with the 5-year look-back period; tips and considerations for individuals and families on how to plan for eligibility for medical assistance, taking into account the 5-year look-back period; information on the process for appeals and dispute resolution related to decisions made based on the 5-year look-back period; and other matters. Provides that to ensure user-friendly navigation and visibility, the Department shall post on the main page of its official website detailed information on how users can easily access the comprehensive guide on the website and a hyperlink that directs users to the comprehensive guide. Requires the Department to develop and implement strategies and initiatives to promote awareness and utilization of the guide, including outreach efforts through community organizations, healthcare providers, and other relevant channels.

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, if a municipality or county, including a home rule municipality or county, is a self-insurer for purposes of providing health insurance coverage for its employees, the insurance coverage shall include mental health counseling for any employee who is a first responder, including police and corrections officers, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, or emergency medical services personnel, without imposing a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage provided. Specifies that this requirement does not apply to the extent such coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. Limits home rule powers by providing that the requirement that mental health counseling be included in health insurance coverage is an exclusive power and function of the State.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Deletes, from a provision concerning breast cancer-related educational materials that are to be prepared by the Department of Public Health, language recommending clinical breast exams as a method for detecting breast cancer. Amends the Radiation Protect Act of 1990. Requires mammography patients to receive the educational materials developed by the Department of Public Health. Effective immediately.

Amends the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act. Provides that, if an applicant seeks a work assignment as a day or temporary laborer with a day and temporary labor service agency, including in-person, online or through an app-based system, and is not placed with a third party client or otherwise contracted to work for that day by the day and temporary labor service agency, the day and temporary labor service agency shall provide the applicant with a confirmation that the applicant sought work that satisfies specified criteria. Sets forth compensation requirements for day or temporary laborers based on directly hired comparative employees of a third party. Provides that it shall be the responsibility and duty of a day and temporary labor service agency to calculate and determine the hourly rate of pay and the benefits it shall offer to a day or temporary laborer, including any cash equivalents. Makes changes in provisions concerning the right to refuse assignments due to a labor dispute and the duties of third party clients. Defines terms.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024 shall provide coverage for a colonoscopy determined to be medically necessary for persons aged 39 years old to 75 years old.

Maddy summaryHB 581, titled REGULATION-TECH, is a technical amendment to the Community Benefits Act that updates the short title of a specific section within the law. This procedural change does not alter the underlying policies or create new obligations for any individuals or organizations. The bill was passed by both legislative houses and signed into law by the Governor, becoming effective on August 7, 2024. Its primary function is to correct the official name of a section rather than to introduce substantive new regulations.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish a Local Chamber of Commerce Business Program for the purpose of providing grants to certified local chambers of commerce. Provides that grant moneys may be used to market and develop the service area of the chamber of commerce for the purpose of generating local, county, and State business taxes and to provide small businesses with professional development, business guidance, and best practices for sustainability. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 778 is a technical amendment to the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois that updates the short title of a specific section within the law. The bill does not introduce new policies, alter existing regulations, or directly impact any individuals or organizations. Its sole purpose is to correct the official name used to refer to a part of the state's technology-related statutes. Once signed into law, the change will become effective on January 1, 2025.

Amends the Information Technology Accessibility Act. Provides that the Department of Innovation and Technology (currently, the Department of Human Services) shall review certain accessibility standards. Removes a specific reference to the Department of Central Management Services. Effective immediately.