Fine works to expand insurance coverage for neonatal intensive care

SPRINGFIELD - Continuing her work to increase affordable access to vital health care services, State Senator Laura Fine is sponsoring a measure addressing coverage for emergency neonatal intensive care.

"Every newborn deserves a fighting chance, especially in the critical first hours of life," said Fine (D-Glenview). "Parents want their children to be safe and healthy, and an unexpected birth complication can lead to permanent consequences if not promptly treated."

To treat premature or critically ill newborns, neonatal care is often necessary and may require specialized treatments that might not be covered by a patient's health insurance network. House Bill 2464 would address the importance of immediate care by requiring private insurers to cover emergency neonatal care, regardless of whether the provider is in or out of the patient's network. This ensures families are not billed for greater out-of-pocket costs than they would have incurred with a participating provider.

"Requiring insurance coverage for emergency neonatal care isn't just compassionate policy-it's a moral and medical imperative that ensures no family is denied life-saving treatment," said Fine. "This measure ensures parents of newborns have access to lifesaving medical services and gives newborns a fighting chance at a healthy life."

House Bill 2464 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

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