Ill. House Democrats: Katz Muhl Passes Bill Expanding Insurance Coverage for At-Home Pregnancy Testing

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 15 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news:

State Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, D-Northbrook, is promoting common-sense healthcare coverage for people who may become pregnant, passing a bill that would streamline affordable access to at-home pregnancy tests where medically necessary and required for treatment.

"Without insurance coverage, patients who require regular at-home pregnancy tests currently face cost, stigma, and convenience barriers," Katz Muhl said. "These tests should come delivered privately in the same brown paper bag as the rest of your prescriptions, streamlining treatment and leading to earlier identification of pregnancy."

Katz Muhl's House Bill 5643 would require health insurance policies to cover two at-home, urine based pregnancy tests each month when prescribed by a doctor, such as for fertility and dermatology patients, where pregnancy is either the goal or contraindicated. The bill comprehensively expands coverage for state-based private insurance, state-employee insurance coverage, and Medicaid patients.

The bill passed with bipartisan support in the House and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

"I am particularly proud that this legislation brought together a broad coalition of supporters in the medical and advocacy community, including both Planned Parenthood of Illinois and the Catholic Conference of Illinois," Katz Muhl said. "Our communities are strongest when we come together to solve these kinds of everyday problems faced by Illinois families."

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