SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) have received bicameral support on House Bill 3923 which passed out of the House and awaits a vote in the Senate.

“This is a great example of the insurance industry, business groups and consumer advocates working together to improve transparency and disclosure for the people of Illinois while we wait for the federal government to move on the larger global issues of healthcare reform,” Representative Harris said.

House Bill 3923 instructs the Director of the Department of Insurance, working with a diverse team of business and consumer advocates, to develop a standard application form for small businesses to use when applying for coverage under a health benefit plan offered by an insurance company. The Director would also lead a team effort to develop a standard health statement for individuals to use when applying for individual or family coverage from an insurer. These standardized forms will aid individuals and small businesses to compare the coverage and prices offered by health insurers.

“Senator Steans and Representative Harris are to be commended for this collaborative effort that brought groups with divergent interests together,” said Michael T. McRaith, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. “While not solving all the health care challenges of our State, House Bill 3923 enhances the protections afforded to health insurance consumers and will improve the value families and small businesses receive in exchange for the premiums they pay.”

House Bill 3923 establishes a new independent, external review process that provides health insurance consumers whose insurer denies a claim to appeal that denial to independent health care professionals.

“This is a huge step forward,” explained Senator Steans. “When a consumer has been denied on a critical procedure, they need a quick solution. The external review board will provide them with a quicker response time.”

House Bill 3923 provides positive results for all sources involved. Business organizations will have a more competitive edge. Insurance companies will have a more concise process to delineate claims. Advocates will be able to consult outside of the insurance companies and receive quicker responses to dire requests.

“In Illinois the lack of industry transparency and accountability has led to an unpredictable, unaffordable insurance market for small businesses and families,” Emily Miller, an advocate for Illinois PIRG, said. “This legislation symbolizes a landmark victory for all Illinoisans who need access to quality, affordable health care.”

While House Bill 3923 is awaiting a vote in the Senate, Senator Steans and Representative Harris have worked tirelessly with various advocates to come to an agreement on the bill language. After a meeting late last week, Senator Steans and Representative Harris were thrilled to have the support of a number of advocacy groups as well as the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA), Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), the AARP and various other insurance groups.

“Manufacturing companies provide health care to help attract and retain a strong workforce,” Mark Denzler, Vice President of IMA, said. “This legislation will help employers provide health care for their workers by controlling costs and making it easier for small and medium-sized companies to shop for competitive prices in the marketplace.”

If passed in the Senate, House bill 3923 will go into effect January 1, 2010.