Welch-Backed Measures Making Healthcare Better and More Affordable Set to Take Effect

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch is highlighting new reforms taking effect next month that will help families and seniors cut costs and access better, more affordable healthcare.

“Healthcare costs are one of the most significant drivers of the rising cost of living. We also have a great moral responsibility to ensure people can access affordable and responsive care,” Welch said. “These new reforms make healthcare better and more affordable, and empower doctors and patients to develop a care plan that works for them, regardless of cost.”

Welch and House Democratic colleagues delivered a series of measures last spring designed to cut healthcare costs and expand access to resources and treatments people need to life healthy lives. These new laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. 

The new Healthcare Protection Act creates a rate review process requiring insurers to justify premium increases, and empowering state watchdogs to reject unwarranted hikes that simply pad profits. 

The measure also curbs the practice of ‘step therapy,’ where patients have to use cheaper, less effective prescriptions and therapies before receiving prescribed care.

New laws taking effect next month also cap the cost of lifesaving EpiPens at $60 per twin pack, require insurance plans to cover all medically necessary hearing aids, and guarantee affordable coverage for inhalers.