SPRINGFIELD – Reconstructive surgeries as a result of a traumatic experience will be covered by insurance under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“It’s not easy to be reminded of a traumatic experience every time a survivor looks in the mirror,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to provide the essential resources so survivors can recover without being burdened by hospital bills.”

The new law requires 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.

“This initiative was designed to help survivors continue to process and recover from their tragedy,” said Loughran Cappel. “They no longer will have to weigh the cost versus necessary health care.”

House Bill 1384 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – United States Submarine Veterans can now receive a special license plate, thanks to a measure spearheaded by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that was signed into law Friday.

“We have to uplift our veterans by honoring the sacrifices they have made,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is one way we can show our support and thank them for their service.”

The new law allows the Secretary of State to issue United States Submarine Veteran license plates to Illinois residents who served in the United States Navy as a submariner. New York and Connecticut offer similar submarine service license plates.

The Illinois Secretary of State's Office offers a number of different specialty license plates. Requests for these license plates can be accepted at Driver Services Facilities.

"I think it has been at least five or six years since we began to push the idea of Illinois Submariner license plates,” said United States Submarine Veteran Steve Benicke. “Although few in number, the WWII heroes, Cold War and peacetime veterans and currently serving Illinois submariners can now be recognized with the issuance of the Submariner plates. It is important to recognize those "Brothers of the 'Phin" who diligently pursued the idea, as well as the support and advocacy given to us by the many State of Illinois Senators and Representatives, who voted the idea to fruition.”

House Bill 1581 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

CREST HILL – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This is a great opportunity for students to better their education by reading throughout the summer, expanding their wealth of knowledge,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage families to participate in this program that will get kids excited about reading.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Loughran Cappel’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Loughran Cappel.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorLoughranCappel.com. People with questions can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

CREST HILL – Local residents are invited to ask questions about state resources and provide feedback on legislative priorities at State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s upcoming Coffee and Conversation event on June 27.

“Events such as this ensure that I am representing the 49^th District to the best of my ability,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Our conversations are meaningful because they provide residents the opportunity to be heard.”

The event will be held Tuesday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library: Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Road.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversations serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and state.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.