Morrison joins colleagues, advocates to highlight measure providing coverage for seizure detection devices

SPRINGFILED - Alongside advocates and colleagues, State Senator Julie Morrison hosted a press conference Wednesday highlighting legislation she is spearheading that would provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices - bolstering treatment and diagnostic access for those suffering from seizure disorders.

"These disorders can greatly affect one's quality of life - limiting their ability to drive, requiring additional assistance and becoming a financial strain, in addition to living with the disorder itself," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "Expanding access to these devices is a critical step to ensuring longer, healthier lives."

According to the Center for Disease Control, roughly 2.9 million adults and 456,000 children across the United States suffer from epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Multiple seizure detection devices are approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use by patients to alert the person or authorized users of an oncoming or occurring seizure. This allows the patient or caregiver to get themselves or others to safety and administer rescue medication in a timely manner.

To expand Illinois patients' access to these life-saving devices, Senate Bill 2762 would require health insurance plans, excluding State Employees Group health plans, to provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices subject to a maximum cost-sharing amount of $50 per plan year.

"When we look to expand coverage for detection devices, we are looking to help people live as normal a life as they can," said Belt (D- Swansea) "These are devices people cannot live without, so let's not price someone out of a long, healthy life."

Senate Bill 2762 is assigned to the Senate Insurance Committee.