Senate passes Stadelman bill to make glucose monitors more affordable

State Senator Steve Stadelman has helped win approval for legislation to require insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors that give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels.

“We're talking about a scientic advancement that offers numerous health benefits and eliminates the need for the now-dated technology of a daily finger stick to draw blood," said Stadelman, whose son, Nikolas, is diabetic. In 2020, Illinois became the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs when the governor signed legislation Stadelman had introduced limiting insulin co-pays to $100 a month.

Under Stadelman’s current proposal, insurance plans would be required to include coverage for continuous glucose monitors, which are wearable devices that better manage diabetes. Any person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who requires insulin would be provided coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Senate Bill 2969 is now pendiing in the Illinois House of Representatives after receiving unanimous support in the Senate. In Illinois alone, approximately 1.3 million adults have diabetes – about 12.5% of the state’s population – according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Stadelman-backed bill offers further protection against online auto renewals

To give consumers more warning about online contracts that automatically renew, State Senator Steve Stadelman is co-sponsoring a measure to require companies to provide clear notification of the agreement’s terms before the consumer accepts.

“Streaming services, e-retail and cell phone providers are among the companies that increasingly employ automatic renewals to generate business,"  Stadelman said. "This legislation would require more frequent and more visible communication regarding costly automatic renewals."

Senate Bill 3447 would make several updates to the state’s Automatic Contract Renewal Act, requiring written notice to consumers before a contract renews and allowing consumers to end contracts obtained online by visiting the website or by calling.

Businesses that offer free trial periods would also be required to give written notice to the consumer before the promotional period ends.

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Steve Stadelman
March 2 at 7:46 PM

Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity of Boone County on the completion of its 12th home since forming in 2006 -- and to Jacqueline Davis, who received the keys during a consecration ceremony today. Jacqueline will live on West Madison Street with her son, Demarcus, who's speaking to Channel 13-WREX in one of the photos below.

This partnership makes so much sense! Rosecrance is offering the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford's Fairgrounds Club location after-school programming that includes positive adult role models and life skills education.