Two weeks ago, the Great State of Illinois took a leading step forward to help protect individuals with food allergies by enacting a law requiring food manufacturers to label their products for the presence of sesame as an ingredient. Now the state has taken another leading step.
Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill requiring insurance companies serving the state’s residents to cover epinephrine auto-injectors for children 18 years and younger. Epinephrine is the only drug that can combat the effects of anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction and an auto-injector is a device that allows a premeasured dose of epinephrine to be self administered quickly. The devices are expensive and can cost a family hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.
“This legislation takes a big step forward in protecting our children and families,” said the governor. “Lowering the cost of prescription drugs and expanding health care coverage is one important way to help lower costs and build a higher standard of living for all Illinoisans.”
The law applies to “A group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after” January 1, 2020.
- Gov. Pritzker Signs Two Laws Expanding Insurance Coverage for EpiPens, Lyme Disease Testing and Treatment — Illinois.gov
- Illinois Public Act 101-0281 — Illinois General Assembly
Illinois Enacts Law Requiring Food Manufacturers to Label for Sesame
