SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to continue addressing the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure to increase the number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom in an emergency situation.

“To make sure our students are getting the best education they can, we have to keep them with a familiar face,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Increasing the number of days a substitute teacher can teach allows students to continue to learn and grow, and provides consistency in the classroom.”

House Bill 3442 would allow a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school distinct files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education.

Under current law, a substitute teacher may only fill a vacancy left by a licensed teacher under contract in an emergency situation for up to 30 days.

“As a strong advocate for teachers, I have seen and heard the struggles that many districts face when trying to find a substitute,” Loughran Cappel said. “We have to work with school districts to give them the ability to adapt during certain situations.”

House Bill 3442 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Insurance Committee that would require insurance coverage for medically necessary reconstructive surgeries as a result of a traumatic experience.

“Victims shouldn’t have to be reminded of a traumatic accident when they look in a mirror,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Whether it’s a scar from domestic violence or a car accident, injuries should be covered by insurance.”

House Bill 1384 would require HMO's, 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.

“These treatments should be considered medically necessary for survivors who are candidates for a reconstructive surgery,” said Loughran Cappel.

House Bill 1384 passed the Senate Insurance Committee and heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – To empower women, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Insurance Committee that would provide insurance coverage for vaginal estrogen when medically necessary.

“The positive effects that come from using vaginal estrogen, like helping with menopause symptoms, has made a big difference for women,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We need to give women the tools to take care of their health.”

House Bill 1565 would require individual policy accident and health insurers to cover vaginal estrogen when it is medically necessary. The measure would prohibit 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.

Vaginal estrogen is a form of hormone replacement that is typically used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, painful or difficult urination, or the sudden need to urinate immediately. These symptoms typically occur in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. Vaginal estrogen can cost as low as $350 and as high as $500 because of the area of absorption and the medication itself.

“I’m a strong advocate of uplifting and empowering women,” said Loughran Cappel. “Covering this medication will help women for years to come.”

House Bill 1565 passed the Senate Insurance Committee and now heads to the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – To expand access to hospice care, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that would increase the number of people hospice residences can serve and the number of licensed hospice locations per county.

“As someone who has cared for a loved one, I want to ensure health care is available for all residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Caring for people during the end of their life is not an easy job but it’s an important one.

House Bill 1117 would allow hospice programs that own or operate separate hospice residences to serve up to 24 people per location, rather than the current 20 people per location cap. Additionally, the measure would expand the number of licensed hospice locations per county from five to 16.

“Expanding access to hospice care would help address the increased need for hospice and palliative care as it has rapidly grown,” Loughran Cappel said. “We all want our loved ones to have the care they deserve.”

House Bill 1117 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.