Gov. Pritzker signed a law requiring insurance companies to cover glucose monitors

Gov. Pritzker signed the legislation. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/File)

By Blake Haas and IIS

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pritzker is signing a new law requiring insurance coverage of continuous glucose monitors.

The wearable monitors are essential for patients with type one and type two Diabetes to track their blood sugar levels throughout the day.

“For too long, diabetics have had to make the impossible choice between obtaining this necessary medical device or putting food on the table,” the Democratic leader said at a press conference. “In Illinois, we won’t accept that any longer.”

The law, which takes effect in Jan., ensures that health plans cover the devices.

“Without proper monitoring and glycemic control, patients run the risk of severe complications, hospitalizations, and in the most devastating cases, loss of life,” added Pritzker.

According to recent data, more than 1.3 million people in Illinois have Diabetes.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…