Day: February 19, 2020

Lawmakers tout strict limits on ‘prior authorization’ insurance requirements

By PETER HANCOCK A bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing strict new limits on health insurance policies that require patients to receive “prior authorization” from the company before they can receive certain treatments, tests or prescription drugs. It’s a common practice under most health plans, one originally intended to hold

Lawmakers call for caution on 5G, the next wireless wave

By REBECCA ANZEL First, there were cordless phones and text messages. Then, internet access and video calls. Now, wireless’s fifth generation will drive mobile phone speeds even faster and allow for advances in telemedicine and management of traffic signals, for example, according to the Federal Communications Commission. But two lawmakers,

House Republicans want DCFS reforms ahead of funding increase

By PETER HANCOCK A group of Republican lawmakers said Tuesday, Feb. 18 they want to see internal reforms at the Department of Children and Family Services in addition to the increased funding that Democratic governor JB Pritzker is expected to propose. Pritzker is scheduled to deliver his annual budget address

House Republicans say bipartisan effort should lead budgeting process

By JERRY NOWICKI One day before governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, House Republican lawmakers called for another “inclusive” and “bipartisan” effort at adopting a state budget without new taxes. “Let’s go back in time to last spring. Through a bipartisan effort and agreements in both chambers, we were able to

Lawmakers decline to block new gun store regulations

By PETER HANCOCK A group of Illinois lawmakers Tuesday, Feb. 18 declined to block the Illinois State Police from implementing new administrative rules governing firearms dealers. Those rules were adopted on an emergency basis in January, nearly one year after Democratic governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Firearms Dealer License Certification