SPRINGFIELD – To ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure out of the Senate that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“There’s no reason to wait and disclose extra fees to patients after the care has already been provided,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We need these facilities to take more responsibility and inform patients of all costs and fees prior to any services.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee. Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

“This measure is about transparency and fairness in our health care system,” said Stadelman. “With this requirement for hospitals, we are protecting Illinoisans from misleading billing practices.”

House Bill 1431 passed the Senate Wednesday.

BELVIDERE -- State Senator Steve Stadelman today praised the announcement of $2.7 million in state funding to replace five aging bridges that support the Long Prairie Trail as a "smart investment in something that's an important recreational asset but also an alternative transportation option in northern Illinois."

Long Prairie Trail is a rail-to-trail conversion, stretching 14.2 miles across 16 bridges, most of which are remnants of the old K&D Rail line and are in dire need of replacement. Five bridges that have outlived their useful lifespan, especially from a safety perspective, will be reconstructed for an estimated cost of $3 million. 

"Illinois is reversing decades of disinvestment, making communities more connected and providing more ways for people to travel from place to place," Stadelman said. "Long Prairie Trail connects several regional destinations and links to Stone Bridge Trail in Winnebago County, providing access to even more outdoor attractions -- Rock Cut State Park being prominent among them."

A total of $139.2 million in Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grants are going to 66 projects statewide from 233 applications for $383 million in financial assistance. ITEP awards focus on projects that improve bicycle and pedestrian travel or otherwise enhance local transportation networks. The next call for ITEP-eligible projects is expected in 2026.

"Projects like Long Prairie Trail are the quality-of-life amenities people want when deciding where to buy homes and raise families," Stadelman said. "Whether people frequent Long Prairie Trail for exercise, leisure or as an alternative to driving a motor vehicle, it's a valuable asset that deserves to be maintained and deserves the state's support."

ITEP is part of Rebuild Illinois, legislation Stadelman supported in 2019 that commits a record $33.2 billion toward upgrades to the Illinois transportation system -- including $275 million to restore passenger rail between Rockford and Chicago with a stop in downtown Belvidere.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Patients deserve to know ahead of time if any extra fees will be added onto their bill,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals need to take responsibility and inform their patients of all applicable fees at any of their facilities.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

ROCKFORD – Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman and Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, two school districts in Stadelman’s district have secured grants to support student learning.

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in learning,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This funding helps libraries stay up-to-date with trends to ensure accessibility for all our students.”  

In Stadelman’s district, the Belvidere School District was awarded $6,302 and the Rockford School District was awarded $21,904. The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.