SB1621 Summary

• Creates the Tobacco Dependence Coverage Law requiring group and individual accident and health policies and managed care plans issued to Illinois residents to provide coverage or reimbursement of up to $500 annually for tobacco use cessation programs for enrollees 18 years or older.

• Defines tobacco use cessation programs as physician-recommended evidence-based treatments following U.S. Public Health Service guidelines, including education, counseling, and all FDA-approved medications for tobacco dependence regardless of over-the-counter or prescription status.

• Requires insurers to deliver written notice of coverage availability upon enrollment and annually thereafter, and prohibits insurers from denying or restricting eligibility solely to avoid these requirements.

• Prohibits insurers from penalizing or reducing reimbursement of attending providers or providing incentives that would result in care inconsistent with the law's provisions.

• Exempts short-term travel, disability income, long-term care, accident only, and limited or specified disease policies from the tobacco cessation coverage requirements and extends the law's requirements to Health Maintenance Organizations, Limited Health Service Organizations, and Voluntary Health Services Plans.