Righter legislation which assures uniformity in all Illinois health insurances’ appeal process signed into law
Springfield, Illinois—Legislation to overhaul the appeal process of health insurance claims was signed into law this week. One of the legislation’s sponsors State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) explained that the legislation now mandates that all Illinois regulated health insurance policies will now have uniform processes for internal and external appeals to a health insurance claim.
The newly signed legislation creates an internal and an independent external appeals process substantially similar to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model legislation. Current Illinois law only requires an HMO health plan to provide internal or external appeals. While many health insurers provide an internal and an external appeals process, this new law assures that all Illinois-regulated health plans will meet NAIC uniform standards for providing such processes.
“Clearly, every patient should have the right to an appeal process for their health insurance regardless of if they are a part of an HMO or not,” said Senator Righter. “And to the industry’s credit, it recognizes that. This legislation calls for a swift, thorough process of appeals, both internal and external, for all Illinois regulated health plans.”
According to Senator Righter, the passage of this legislation was a bi-partisan effort.He worked closely with sponsor State Senator Heather Steans (D- Chicago) to ensure that the legislation was truly encompassed all areas necessary to ensure that no patients would be left out of the appeals process.
“When you have leadership that is determined for a fair and balanced process, the system improves,” stated Senator Righter. “This bill is a great example of that principle.”
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Senate Week in Review: December 7 – 11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 14, 2009
Springfield, Ill. - It’s been one year since Illinois’ former governor was arrested at his home by federal agents, and though Governor Pat Quinn used the opportunity to sign legislation that he says will target campaign finance abuses, State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said Blagojevich’s legacy lingers in Springfield.
On Dec. 9, Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 1466, which he said advanced “groundbreaking” campaign finance reform. Although the legislation would impose Illinois’ first-ever contribution limits on individuals, businesses and special-interest groups, political leaders’ donations would only be limited during primary elections, allowing for unlimited spending during the general election.
Springfield, Ill. – This week, several bills were signed into law said State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) including legislation that targets telephone scams, a measure that permits Illinois to issue federal bonds for capital construction projects and a bill that cracks down on illegal gun possession by a member of a street gang.
On Dec. 2, legislation was signed into law that will allow Illinois to issue Build America Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds. The measure is a funding component of the state’s capital construction measure, which was signed into law this summer. Senate Bill 1514/PA 96-0828, provides the tools necessary to finance the capital projects by permitting procurement and payment of federal Build America Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds, which are programs initiated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
