SPRINGFIELD – Women will be able to get vaginal estrogen when medically necessary without worrying if their insurance will cover it, under an initiative led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that was signed into law Friday.

“Taking vaginal estrogen can help with the side effects many women feel going through menopause,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to empower women and make sure they can live their best life.”

The Loughran Cappel law requires individual policy accident and health insurers to cover vaginal estrogen when it is medically necessary. The law 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.

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.

“Women shouldn’t have to worry about what it’s going to cost to take care of their health,” said Loughran Cappel. “We are providing the tools to enhance all women’s lives.”

House Bill 1565 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans adopting dogs or cats will no longer have to pay a fee, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“We have seen the benefits pets can give to our veterans,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship and many have a special bond with their pets. Providing the resources to improve our veteran’s health and overall happiness was the driving force behind this law.”

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

For returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet are 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.

“It’s a small way to thank, appreciate, honor and show our support for the sacrifices veterans have made,” said Loughran Cappel.

House Bill 2500 was signed into law Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a staunch supporter of education, supported a new law requiring the option for full-day kindergarten across the state.

“Research shows the positive impact of getting kids in the classroom at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Creating access to education at every level is significant to set students up to be lifelong learners.”

Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional child care, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. The Loughran Cappel-backed law provides full-day kindergarten options with developmentally appropriate play-based learning opportunities for families throughout the state.

“Full-day kindergarten will give parents peace of mind knowing their child is in a stable learning environment preparing them for early elementary school,” said Loughran Cappel. “I was proud to support expanding access to full-day kindergarten for families across the state, giving students every opportunity they deserve.”

House Bill 2396 was signed into law Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – Grandparents raising their grandchildren in Will County will have a better understanding of what state programs are available under a new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Grandparents often take on the role of raising their grandchildren,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We’re streamlining the process so they have a direct, local contact to connect with about the resources available.”

The new law creates the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County which will designate an intake coordinator to collect resources offered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department on Aging, Department of Healthcare and Family Services and State Board of Education, and provide coordination and education services at Senior Service Centers to serve Will County residents.

Loughran Cappel’s law requires the intake coordinator to be knowledgeable about the Extended Family Support Program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, Children’s Health Insurance Program and be a designated point of contact at each agency within 14 days of appointment.

An annual report will be required to be submitted to the General Assembly including the number of families who received referrals to relevant services, specific services each family was referred to and received, and related information regarding frequency of calls and visits to the coordinator's office in the previous calendar year.

“Together, State Representative Natalie Manley and I want grandparents who raise their grandchildren to have a better understanding of what resources are available right here in Will County,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is a way to address the needs of caretakers while also helping our youth succeed on a path towards a bright future.”

House Bill 780 was signed into law Wednesday.