Gov. Pritzker Concludes Healthcare Protection Act Tour with Visits to New Lenox, Maywood, and Chicago

CHICAGO —Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined legislators, doctors, patients, and stakeholders to wrap the weeklong advocacy tour promoting HB5395, the Healthcare Protection Act (HPA). The tour consisted of stops in Belleville and Peoria on Monday, Rockford on Tuesday, New Lenox and Maywood on Wednesday, and Chicago on Friday. Press conferences, held at local hospitals and medical centers, highlighted the benefits of HPA alongside chief bill sponsors Representative Anna Moeller and Senator Robert Peters.

“For far too long, insurance companies — not doctors —have been free to determine what treatment options patients should have — and how quickly they can receive it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Healthcare Protection Act is a set of consumer-focused health insurance reforms that will return a sense of autonomy and control to patients and their doctors. We’re protecting Illinois families, making it easier and a little less labyrinthian to navigate the world of healthcare and insurance.”

“The Healthcare Protection Act isn't merely about changing policies - it's about changing the narrative and reclaiming the fundamental principle that healthcare is a human right,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By standing with this Act, we're prioritizing well-being over profits, and ensuring communities no longer face barriers to healing.”

The Healthcare Protection Act, first introduced in the Governor’s FY25 Budget Address, aims to curb predatory insurance practices and return medical power back into the hands of patients and their doctors. Longstanding advocates for insurance reform, including doctors, members of the Pritzker administration, and legislative co-sponsors, shared stories of treatment barriers and healthcare expenses. The tour, which stopped in cities across Illinois, uplifted the bill as it moves to the Senate for voting after passing with bipartisan support in the Illinois House of Representatives.

The Healthcare Protection Act bans step therapy, bans prior authorization for crisis mental health care, improves network adequacy, bans junk insurance plans, and ends unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

“I’m proud to work with Governor Pritzker, Representative Anna Moeller, and the many champions of the Healthcare Protection Act in the House and Senate to advance these critical reforms aimed at making health insurance better and more affordable,” said House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch (D-Westchester). “This bill puts patient care ahead of insurance profits, reins in rising costs, and helps people across Illinois access the care they need when they need it.”

“Illinois is leading the way in health equity, but complex insurance rules and requirements are still preventing people from getting the medical attention and treatment they need,” said Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Strengthening physicians’ ability to care for their patients without insurance companies getting in the way will continue paving the way toward a healthier future for all communities.”

“With my son having a rare heart malformation and my late daughter’s battle with leukemia, I have had firsthand experience with the tedious prior authorization processes that insurance companies require,” said Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “These processes can delay treatment, result in inconsistent approval, and create barriers to access altogether. This legislation is a pivotal step toward ensuring all Illinoisans receive the medical care they deserve in a timely manner.”

“Medical decisions should be made between a physician and patient – not by insurance companies,” said Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our state needs to implement policies that eliminate harmful practices within the health care system that allows insurance companies to trump treatment plans recommended by physicians. This legislation is a step in the right direction to increase accessibility to comprehensive, high-quality health care services in communities across Illinois.”

“People across Illinois deserve access to quality and affordable health care,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This initiative will provide people with the best, most accurate treatment they need without the financial burden. Illinois is taking much-needed steps to root out the bad actors and hold insurance companies accountable.”

“Access to health care is a fundamental human right – yet, insurance companies often erect barriers that impede our most vulnerable populations from receiving necessary medical care,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “It is time we address these predatory practices through a multi-faceted approach that promotes transparency, social justice and human dignity.”

"The passage of the Healthcare Protection Act is a significant improvement for patients navigating our healthcare system," said Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee). "As someone who has worked in the mental and behavioral health industry for decades, I have seen firsthand how practices like step therapy and prior authorization negatively impact patients in need of care."

“What matters most when you or a family member falls ill? Access, affordability, and assurance your health won’t bankrupt you. That’s why improving access to affordable coverage in Illinois isn’t just a policy debate — it’s personal,” said Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). “Quality of care should never be determined by someone’s bank account. This legislation bridges an exhaustive gap in care that determines whether a hard-working family can afford a doctor’s visit, a prescription, or a procedure. We must hold insurance companies accountable by ensuring costs remain fair and transparent.”

“It’s time to reign in predatory insurance practices, from denying lifesaving treatments to dictating quality of care. Expanding care isn’t a luxury — it’s necessary for hardworking families across our state to lead healthy lives,” said Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. (D-Elwood). “No family should be burdened by big insurance greed. Control should be in the hands of our well-trusted physicians and their patients, and the State is committed to ensuring that every person has access to the care and medications they require.”

“We all know someone who’s struggled to afford medical care or has been hit with skyrocketing insurance premiums. We must cultivate a health care system that works for us, not against us,” said Rep. Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). “Because when we fight for affordable, accessible care and hold insurance companies accountable, we’re not just advocating policies — we’re safeguarding our health, our finances, and our futures overall.”

“This is a proposal that puts residents first and is going to help expand affordable health care access,” said Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights). “We must continue to focus on ways to lower costs for residents of all ages while ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve.”

"When a person is faced with a serious illness, they usually don't have a choice but to accept whatever healthcare will save them, regardless of cost," said Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-Matteson). "I am confident this bill is part of the cure to address the unsustainable high costs of healthcare. I have faith our justice system will answer the call and do the good work for Illinois patients and prevent the terrible price gouging we have seen in recent years in the health insurance industry."

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