SPRINGFIELD – To uplift survivors, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would require insurance coverage for medically necessary reconstructive surgeries as a result of a traumatic experience.

“Survivors of any traumatic experience don’t want to be reminded of it every day,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These situations can be difficult to recover from. The last thing survivors need to be worried about is whether or not their insurance will cover medically necessary treatment.”

House Bill 1384 would require HMOs, Medicaid and individual and group health insurance policies to cover medically necessary reconstructive surgeries to restore a person’s physical appearance that was damaged by trauma.

Currently, Medicare patients pay 100% of non-covered services, including most cosmetic surgeries. There are no provisions for cosmetic surgery for state employee’s group insurance. Reconstructive breast surgery is covered if it’s in connection with a mastectomy.

“By providing insurance coverage for surgery, we are helping survivors to continue processing and recovering from their tragedy,” said Loughran Cappel.

House Bill 1384 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.