Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons
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Simmons’ Bill Signed into Law to Protect Patients from Predatory Medical Bills

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Category: Press Releases
Monday, August 12, 2024 10:23 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – To protect patients from unnecessary medical bills, State Senator Mike Simmons’ bills, Senate Bill 2442 was signed into law on Friday, which will prohibit hospitals from billing a patient who cannot pay.

“When folks get hospital bills that don’t make sense and shouldn’t have been billed to begin with, it erodes confidence in the healthcare system writ large and leaves people afraid to seek care,”said Simmons (D-Chicago). “That is entirely unnecessary and this bill will ensure those folks can get to the doctor without worrying about getting a bunch of bills they cannot afford to pay.”

Senate Bill 2442 prohibits hospitals from directly billing a patient who has a household income at or below the 200% federal poverty line that qualifies them for free care. Last year, Simmons supported the passing of a new law that requires hospitals to proactively screen for and enroll patients in Medicaid, health insurance and financial assistance beginning July 1.

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Simmons Law Requires Culturally Competent Haircare for Youth in Foster Care

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Category: Press Releases
Friday, August 09, 2024 03:47 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – A groundbreaking initiative led by State Senator Mike Simmons to empower caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services was signed into law on Friday.

“Haircare and hair styles are crucial forms of self-expression, identity, and connection to race, culture and ethnicity,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too often, youth in care lose a piece of that while they are in foster care – especially Black children and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare systems.”

Simmons’ new law requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare by June 1, 2025. His law outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training, including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

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Simmons’ Law Provides More Inclusive Language within Illinois Sexual Health Framework

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Category: Press Releases
Friday, August 09, 2024 03:47 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ legislation to update language and more accurately represent public health with expanded definitions was signed into law on Friday.

“When legislation accurately represents the diverse experiences and needs of individuals, it sends a powerful message that everyone's well-being matters and that seeking health care is a fundamental right, not something to be ashamed of,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This is especially important in the scope of sexual health, where stigma can prevent people from seeking necessary medical attention, leading to adverse health outcomes and perpetuating cycles of misinformation and shame.”

Simmons’ law takes a critical step in de-stigmatizing sexual health by changing language, including updating "sexually transmissible diseases'' to "sexually transmitted infections.” This change reflects a broader perspective that considers both medical and social aspects of these conditions. Additionally, his law will include HPV and mpox within the definition of STIs.

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Simmons’ Health Outcomes Review Board to Identify and Tackle Health Care Disparities

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Category: Press Releases
Friday, August 09, 2024 03:47 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Mike Simmons, Illinois is prepared to have a renewed focus on identifying and tackling health care disparities through a newly established Health Outcomes Review Board, which was signed into law on Friday.

Simmons' new law puts us on the path to the creation of an equitable Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will be dedicated to collecting and reporting de-identified health data with a focus on demographic factors like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and languages spoken.

“The Health Outcomes Review Board will be able to identify and address disparities in health care and improve policies for communities that have not been well-served by our health care systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable maternal mortality rates of African American mothers, or inadequate access to specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and provide recommendations for addressing them.”

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More Articles …

  1. Simmons’ Law Extends Deadline to Seek Remedy for Human Rights Violations in the Workplace
  2. Simmons’ New Law Expands Affordable Housing Options for Youth
  3. Simmons releases statement in response to Death of Sonya Massey
  4. Simmons Celebrates Signing of the Healthcare Protection Act
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Office Info

District Office
1040 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-1717 (Phone)
(773) 945-9979 (Text)

Springfield Office:
Senator 7th District
Stratton Building
Section F, Office G
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8492

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