I n Illinois, legislation to give Lyme sufferers insurance coverage for antibiotics, testing, and doctor visits has been signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The bill, sponsored by Representative Daniel Swanson, had been unanimously passed by both houses of the state legislature. It will take effect January 1, 2020.
Representative Daniel Swanson
“The ability to receive treatment when you have previously been insufficiently treated is life-changing,” said Rep. Swanson in a press release. “By mandating insurance coverage of long-term antibiotic treatment needed for patients, we are putting another piece of the puzzle into place for some patients and removing one additional hassle on their path to recovery.”
Inspired By A Student At Mercer County Junior High
The measure was inspired by Lauryn Russell, a student at Mercer County Junior High School who has Lyme disease. She and her mother, Jennifer Struble Russell of the Illinois Lyme Association, worked with Rep. Swanson to get this legislation passed.
A similar bill related to Lyme disease treatment in Pennsylvania passed the House of Representatives in April and now awaits action in the State Senate.
Ensuring Every Patient Has Access To Treatment and Full Insurance Coverage
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