SPRINGFIELD – Reconstructive surgeries for trauma survivors and vaginal estrogen will be covered by insurance starting Jan. 1 thanks to two new laws sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“We can’t let residents continue to be buried by health care costs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “People in Illinois should have access to the care and medication they need, regardless of cost.”

House Bill 1565 requires individual policy accident and health insurers to cover vaginal estrogen when it is medically necessary. The measure prohibits insurers from imposing a higher deductible, co-payment or any other cost-sharing requirement on vaginal estrogen than it would for a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

“Providing coverage for vaginal estrogen will help women with many of the side effects they have while going through menopause,” said Loughran Cappel. “Women need to have the tools to prioritize their health, and this law will allow them to continue living their best life.”

Loughran Cappel also sponsored House Bill 1384 which requires HMOs, Medicaid and individual and group health insurance policies to cover medically necessary reconstructive surgeries to restore a person’s physical appearance following trauma.

“We have to uplift survivors of any traumatic experience,” said Loughran Cappel. “By providing insurance coverage for surgery, we are helping survivors to continue processing and recovering from their tragedy.”

House Bill 1384 and House Bill 1565 take effect Jan. 1, 2024.