Illinois residents will have more options when it comes to affordable, quality health insurance.  State Senator Ann Gillespie says her bill will help create a state-based health insurance marketplace and that legislation will help protect consumers from unnecessary insurance rate hikes.  

House Bill 579 stablishes a state-based health insurance marketplace offering a variety of health insurance plans from different insurers.  This state marketplace will allow for options different from those offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace expanding coverage to those who may be unable to afford it.  

House Bill 2296 protects Illinois consumers and small businesses from unfair premium rate hikes. Insurance companies will now be required to provide information about how health premium rates are set.  The Illinois Department of Insurance will have the authority to modify or deny rate increases that are not adequately justified.  Through annual reports, consumers will gain a greater sense of transparency when it comes to what they pay and why.  

House Bill 579 and 2296 were both signed into law Tuesday.