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.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans will be able to adopt a pet without paying fees on Jan. 1, thanks to a new law from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship, and we have seen the benefits pets can give veterans including improved health and overall happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s new law requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For our returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet is important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

“This new law is a small way to show our veterans we appreciate them,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will always be an advocate for uplifting our armed forces, and I was proud to pass legislation that extends our sincere gratitude for their sacrifices, giving them an opportunity to adopt a pet without worrying about the fees.”

House Bill 2500 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a measure to help modernize Illinois’ professional licensure process that was signed into law Friday.

“We are streamlining the licensure process, ensuring professionals can get to work and residents are not hampered by the availability of essential services in our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Recently, we have seen health care workforce shortages across the state. We are directly addressing the issue head on by making the process more efficient and effective.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers licenses for over 100 professions in Illinois including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists and others. In Illinois, more than one million people need a professional license or registration to work.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel encourages area residents, service organizations, schools and individuals to support the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ 2023 Operation Rising Spirit in writing letters of appreciation to honor our former service members currently residing in state veterans’ homes.

“Our veterans who receive holiday letters are reminded of our gratitude for their sacrifices in the service of our nation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The thoughtful effort in writing a letter allows us to share our joy and support, letting these local heroes know they are valued and loved.”

Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

“Operation Rising Spirit serves as a tribute to the individuals who protected us and connects them to the community,” said Loughran Cappel. “I invite all residents to recognize our former service members in writing them a letter this holiday season.”

Participants can mail letters directly to IDVA or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to:

Crystal Womack

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 S. Spring St.

Springfield, IL 62794-9432