NEW LEGISLATION AIMS TO IMPROVE PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMERS IN ILLINOIS. 

THE BILL IS SUPPORTED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND DOES SEVERAL THINGS SAYS DIRECTOR DANA POPISH SEVERINGHAUS. THAT INCLUDES LIMITING HOW LONG PATIENTS HAVE TO WAIT TO GET IN TO SEE AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER.

THE MEASURE WOULD ALSO LET THE DEPARTMENT INFORM THE PUBLIC THAT AN INSURER IS BEING INVESTIGATED, ALTHOUGH DETAILS WOULD STILL BE CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL THE CASE IS FINALIZED.

THE LEGISLATION ALSO LETS THE DEPARTMENT DISCLOSE THAT A COMPANY IS BEING LOOKED AT FOR POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS. SUPPORTERS HOPE TO GET IT PASSED DURING THE SPRING SESSION.