SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes is aware of problems those in health insurance programs experience when their insurers’ networks are understaffed. Her legislation to correct this deficiency – Senate Bill 2641 – was signed into law Friday. The law will require insurers to demonstrate whether they have enough physicians and specialists at each hospital as preferred providers in a network plan.

“Many of us have experienced the anxiety of having to wait weeks or months to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for a health concern,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “I believe it is a reasonable expectation of people with health insurance to get the care and urgency their condition calls for; those in smaller communities may worry about their condition worsening as they wait for that care, simply because the network is understaffed.”

Network adequacy means insurers have enough specialists in key roles practicing at the in-network facility to ensure plan members have reasonable and timely access to care. Illinoisans are more likely to find staffing shortages in rural areas that lack the number of specialists typically found in city health care networks.

Under Holmes’ new law, insurers will be required to provide at least one radiologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist and emergency room physician at in-network hospitals and facilities. The Illinois Department of Insurance can call for added types of specialists if they deem it necessary.

“Families need diagnostic results to identify the status of their illness and to get a specific treatment plan without potentially harmful delays,” Holmes said. “Health insurance consumers rightfully expect their insurers’ coverage to be what they signed up and paid for.”

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, and requires insurers to begin demonstrating their network adequacy Jan. 1, 2026.