SPRINGFIELD, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 04/03/09 -- People already struggling with job loss are now being forced to fight with private health insurance companies to get the coverage they need. That may change soon, as the Illinois House passed key legislation to reform several important aspects of the industry. AARP today applauded the State House for passing, by a vote of 62-45, the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (HB 3923) -- a bill that will enact stronger protections in the private health insurance market.

Designated an "accountability vote" by AARP on behalf of its 1.8 million Illinois members, each elected official's vote is posted on AARP's Illinois site (www.aarp.org/il) so individuals across the state can see how their legislators voted on this important bill.

"Today, the people of Illinois are one step closer to the consumer protections they deserve when it comes to their health insurance," said Robert Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. "AARP commends Representative Greg Harris for his dedication and leadership on this issue."

With record numbers of people losing their employer-based health insurance and now purchasing coverage in the private insurance market, the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Representative Greg Harris, will establish several critical consumer protections. The Senate's vote on the legislation will also be tracked and reported as it happens.

The legislation will:

--  Require insurance companies to spend at least 75% of premium dollars
    on medical care rather than on executives' salaries, marketing, and
    profits.
--  Establish an Office of Consumer Health Insurance to conduct external
    independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases.
--  Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and
    small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier
    for them to get coverage.
    

"This legislation is critical to removing barriers between people and the health care they and their families need," added Gallo. "We know the insurance industry is working to ensure this bill doesn't see the light of day -- AARP is urging the Senate to stand up, do what's right and pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act."

Health care reform is a top priority for AARP.

The roll call for the Health Insurance Consumer Protection act is posted on AARP's website: www.aarp.org/il. AARP is also informing its members of the vote through on-line advocacy tools, community events, and its statewide publications.