Insurance coverage for IVF expanded under new Castro law

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Reproductive care and treatment remain legal, protected and accessible in Illinois

Standing strong on the issue of safeguarding women’s health, State Senator Cristina Castro championed the effort to expand access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization through a measure signed into law Friday.

“Infertility affects millions of Americans, leaving thousands of hopeful parents in Illinois and across the United States unable to have a child on their own,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The possibility of starting a family through advanced treatments like IVF represents hope for so many of these individuals – and this law takes steps to protect and expand access for the thousands who rely on it.”

To address cost barriers that limit access to treatments like IVF for families across the state, the new law requires every group health insurance policy to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility starting Jan. 1, 2026. It also adds coverage for an annual menopause health visit for those age 45 and older.

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Castro invites residents to free shred event at Hoosier Grove Barn

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State Senator Cristina Castro is partnering with State Representative Fred Crespo, KCT Credit Union and the Streamwood Park District to host a free community shred day in Streamwood on Saturday, Aug. 10.

“This event will provide a safe and convenient way for residents to not only fight clutter, but also safeguard their personal information from fraud and identity theft,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Attendees can also use this opportunity to donate food and personal care products to the Hanover Township Food Pantry and benefit others in our community.”

Shredding trucks will be available at the Hoosier Grove Barn, located at 700 W. Irving Park Road in Streamwood, on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 9-11 a.m. or until the trucks are full. Attendees will be able to freely and securely dispose of any confidential or personal documents, such as bank statements, canceled checks, outdated medical records, paid bills, receipts and junk mail. Only paper materials will be accepted for shredding.

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Castro announces over $11 million for replacing lead pipes in Elgin

Elgin is set to receive over $11 million in zero-interest loans to replace over 800 lead pipes in the community and ensure a cleaner, safer water supply, State Senator Cristina Castro announced Tuesday.

“Thanks to our advocacy, we are making sure Elgin gets its fair share of federal dollars for replacing lead pipes,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “With this funding, over 800 families will upgrade to stronger, safer infrastructure they can count on to bring clean water into their households.”

During the last quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency awarded over $32 million in zero-interest loans to six Illinois communities to fund the replacement of lead service lines. Many homes built prior to 1990 have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures and faucets that contain lead. Because lead is a toxic metal that can enter drinking water when pipes and fixtures corrode, eliminating lead service lines in homes helps to reduce lead exposure for residents, particularly children.

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Castro teams up with Crespo to host mobile DMV in Streamwood

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Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend an upcoming mobile DMV event sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro in partnership with State Representative Fred Crespo and the Illinois Secretary of State.

“Bringing the Secretary of State’s office directly to our communities can help residents more easily access important driver services,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this convenient way to renew their driver’s licenses and book an appointment for our mobile event as soon as possible.”

The free event will be available to drivers Friday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Poplar Creek Library located at 1405 S. Park Ave. in Streamwood. The unit operates like a driver services facility and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards, vehicle registration stickers, voter registration and organ donor registration. The offices will have Spanish-speaking staff members on site to ensure language accessibility. Residents should register for the mobile event by filling out this form.

Representatives from the Illinois Tollway will also be on site to help individuals and families with I-PASS registration, benefits and questions. For more information about the I-PASS Assist program, click here.

For additional information, residents can contact Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.