HB5665 Summary

• Adds Section 356z.22 to the Illinois Insurance Code requiring group health insurance policies covering more than 50 persons to provide benefits for child screening including blood lead testing, childhood immunizations, and newborn hearing loss screening without deductibles.

• Extends the health benefits requirements under Section 356z.22 to state employee health programs, county self-insured health plans, municipal self-insured health plans, and school employee health insurance.

• Specifies that health insurers must notify policyholders in writing of any changes to childhood immunization coverage and related premium changes.

• Requires that newborn hearing screening services be paid separately from routine newborn care through negotiated newborn hearing screening fees.

• Applies the child screening benefit requirements to Health Maintenance Organizations and Limited Health Service Organizations operating in Illinois.