Springfield Clinic Supports Healthcare Protection Act (HPA) to Stand United with Patients
On March 13, 2024, Springfield Clinic stood with Governor JB Pritzker in support of the Healthcare Protection Act (HPA), which puts patients first by giving them more power to control their own health care decisions.
“People seeking medical care should not have to worry that the best course of treatment determined by their trusted doctor will be denied by an insurance agent who has never met them,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Insurance companies are supposed to ease the burden of accessing healthcare, not create further obstacles. Here in Illinois, we are done with predatory practices and insurance overreach.”
HPA targets utilization management, which often forces consumers to obtain permission from their providers before receiving care that doctors have already determined necessary. This boosts profits for insurance companies and creates barriers to care for patients and their doctors. Utilization management also includes a practice called “step therapy,” which forces patients to move through less effective treatment options before eventually gaining access to the treatment that doctors recommended initially. HPA will also ban prior authorization for in-patient adult and children’s mental health care so that those experiencing crises have access to care immediately without having to gain permission from insurance providers. Additionally, HPA mandates all insurance companies post treatments that require prior authorization, making it easier for consumers to compare plans when shopping for coverage, and will also prohibit Short Term Limited Duration insurance plans, or “junk insurance.”
“Too many people have fallen victim to predatory health care practices. Our current standards and approaches need to change,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “Everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, deserves access to safe and effective care across all aspects of their health, maternal and mental health included.”
Board Member and Women’s Health physician Dr. Dignan-Moore was present to represent our clinic. She and all Springfield Clinic providers stand united with our patients and advocate for their future, demanding adequate networks and timely access to high quality health care.