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.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand access to hospice care, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure through the Senate that would increase the number of people hospice residences can serve and the number of licensed hospice locations per county.

“Everyone needs to have access to the care they need, especially during their final months,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve taken care of a loved one and I understand the stress and exhaustion that comes with it, but it’s an important job that many of us will one day need.”

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.

“We can’t sit back and watch the shortage of hospice care workers continue to grow,” said Loughran Cappel. “This initiative would address the shortage while expanding access to hospice and providing the needed care people deserve.”

House Bill 1117 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – As a strong advocate for teachers, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded two measures through the Senate to continue her efforts to address the teacher shortage that would increase the number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom and increase the annual pay cap for teachers who mentor or provide professional development.

“I want to express my support for teachers and acknowledge the difficulties faced by many school districts in finding teachers and substitutes,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s important that we collaborate with school districts to provide them with the flexibility they need to adapt to different situations.”

House Bill 1291 would increase the annual pay cap from $1,500 to $2,250 for teachers with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designations who mentor or provide professional development for classroom teachers or counselors.

“During my time in the classroom, I relied on my colleagues to learn more, better my teaching skills, listen to the good and bad times, and so much more,” said Loughran Cappel. “I understand the struggle these professionals face and I want to continue uplifting educators and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”

To receive National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation, a teacher must have a bachelor's degree, hold a state license and have at least three years of teaching or counseling experience. The candidate then takes a computer-based assessment and completes three portfolio entries. If the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards deems that a teacher passes all of the components, the teacher receives the designation.

Additionally, Loughran Cappel sponsored House Bill 3442 which 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.

“Providing students with a high-quality education requires familiarity with their teachers,” said Loughran Cappel.  “Allowing substitute teachers to teach for an extended period ensures continuity of learning, promotes student growth, and maintains consistency in the classroom.”

House Bill 1291 and House Bill 3442 passed the Senate and now head to the governor’s desk.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Capel invites local residents to take advantage of her traveling office hours to provide feedback, learn about helpful resources and more.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of the day to increase government accountability, accessibility and assist with state resources in hopes of reaching working families across the district.

“I want state and local resources to be accessible for residents,” said Loughran Cappel. “Folks can stop by to find out about new programs and services available to the community, or to voice their concerns about what matters most in their communities.”

Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the White Oak Library: Crest Hill Branch located at 20670 City Center Blvd. from 10 a.m. until noon this Friday, May 12.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit SenatorLoughranCappel.com.