After the Illinois Senate passed historic health insurance reform and maternal health legislation, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement:

“The people of the 22^nd Senate District didn’t send me here to be a rubber stamp for the insurance industry; they sent me here because we shared a vision for working families – one that includes the fundamental right to access health care.

“Today, we’re standing up and finally putting an end to the profit-driven practices that serve as roadblocks between patients and their doctors. In the worst cases, inequities faced by Black and Brown mothers lead to preventable deaths – with poor coordination of postpartum care being a factor in a majority of cases. Bringing equity to maternal health care coverage and bolstering the safety net protecting working families is a testament to what is possible in this country when we put people over profit.

“By saying no to denials, unchecked rate hikes, ghost networks and barriers preventing women and mothers from getting the care they need during and after pregnancy, these measures will make it easier for working families in the 22^nd District and across the state to get the quality care they need to live healthy lives.”

House Bill 5395 and House Bill 5142 passed the Senate Thursday.