SB1995 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 08700 SMS 18836 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
SB1995

Introduced 2/10/2017, by Sen. Thomas Cullerton

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

215 ILCS 5/356z.25 new

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act must provide coverage for the purchase of a service dog that is specially trained to assist blind, deaf, or mobility impaired persons or persons with a disability that is other than physical, including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, provided the insured's treating health care provider certifies in writing that the service dog is medically necessary. Requires the service dog to be purchased from a nonprofit organization that is established for the training of such dogs and is an accredited member of a professional association of guide dog or service dog organizations.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Insurance Code is amended by adding Section 356z.25 as follows:

(215 ILCS 5/356z.25 new)

Sec. 356z.25. Coverage for service dogs. A group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly must provide coverage for the purchase of a service dog that is specially trained to assist blind, deaf, or mobility impaired persons or persons with a disability that is other than physical, including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, provided the insured's treating health care provider certifies in writing that the service dog is medically necessary. Any such service dog shall be purchased from a nonprofit organization that is established for the training of such dogs and is an accredited member of a professional association of guide dog or service dog organizations.