Insurance must cover doctor-recommended colon cancer screenings under Johnson law

• Health
• Insurance

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois patients can follow their doctors’ recommendations without worrying about burdensome costs under a new law championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to require insurance companies to cover medically necessary colonoscopies.

“Most people should get regular colonoscopies starting at age 45, but if you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend screenings earlier,” Johnson said. “Deductibles and co-pays shouldn’t keep anyone from undergoing this potentially life-saving procedure.”

The law requires health insurance companies to cover the cost of a colonoscopy that has been deemed medically necessary after an initial screening. Patients cannot be charged a deductible, coinsurance, copayment or other cost-sharing requirement for the procedure.

In May, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force— the leading panel for medical guidance in the U.S.—published a statement lowering the recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancers from 50 to 45.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. However, if caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.

Not only can a colonoscopy screen for colorectal cancer—it is one of the only screening tests that can actually prevent colon cancer by finding and removing colon polyps before they become cancerous.

“The new official age recommendation allows more patients to rely on their insurance to cover colonoscopies, but this law takes it one step further,” Johnson said. “Affordable preventative care services are essential for patients of all ages.”

The legislation, originally House Bill 2653, was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Illinois to gain a better understanding of community health issues thanks to new Johnson law

• Health
• Mental health
• Equity

SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers and state officials will be able to make more informed decisions regarding public health policy under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) directing the Illinois Department of Public Health to conduct an annual statewide public health survey.

“To craft effective public health policy, we need concrete data that identifies our communities’ unique needs,” Johnson said. “A comprehensive community health survey is the best method to help us understand the different barriers our neighborhoods face to wellness.”

Johnson’s legislation would require IDPH to administer a comprehensive Healthy Illinois Survey every year to study public health and health equity in Illinois.

The survey would gather input from Illinois residents in urban, suburban and rural areas across the state. Survey questions would cover a range of topics, including access to health services, chronic health conditions, diet, mental health, physical activity, substance abuse and more.

Following the survey, the department would be required to make the results available to cities, communities, local health departments and hospitals, and to publish the data on its website broken down by race, ethnicity, gender, age and geography.

The idea for the Healthy Illinois Survey stems from the successful Healthy Chicago Survey, which collects data identifying health concerns in Chicago communities to inform the city’s public health policy.

“Even within a single region, public health needs can vary widely—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” Johnson said. “This survey will help policymakers introduce targeted initiatives that make sense for our diverse neighborhoods.”

The legislation, originally House Bill 3504, was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

Students can observe religious traditions without endangering their health under new Johnson law

• Health
• Education
• Students
• Equity

SPRINGFIELD – Students of all religious and cultural backgrounds can observe their traditions safely under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) that permits students to avoid rigorous physical activity at school during periods of religious fasting.

“Physical education class is a great opportunity for kids to stay active during the day, but during periods of fasting, it can be difficult to feel energetic,” Johnson said. “This law protects students’ right to do what’s best for their own health and wellness.”

The legislation allows students who are fasting for religious purposes to be excused from physical education activities for the duration of the religious fasting period, if the student’s parents have sent in written notification to the school principal.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset as a form of spiritual discipline. Jewish people traditionally observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, and several Christian denominations practice full or partial fasting on certain occasions, including during Lent.

Fasting can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches and dehydration, which may lead to weakness or fainting, especially during exercise.

“Running and playing sports isn’t just exhausting when you’re hungry—it can be dangerous,” Johnson said. “It’s important that kids are allowed to observe their religious traditions without risking their safety.”

The legislation, originally House Bill 160, was signed into law Thursday and takes effect immediately.

Local mom-and-pop pizzeria to host Johnson’s Coffee & Connect

• Event
• In the district
• Coffee & Connect
• Local business

LINCOLNSHIRE – Small businesses provide a space for people to come together and support their communities, inspiring State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) to host the August edition of her monthly Coffee & Connect outreach event at a locally owned Italian eatery.

The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Bontà Pizzeria & Restaurant, located at 430 Milwaukee Ave. in Lincolnshire.

“During a time when so many businesses are struggling, I want to put a spotlight on the shops and restaurants that make the 30^th District so vibrant,” Johnson said. “That’s why I chose to host Coffee & Connect at Bontà Pizzeria this month.”

Each monthly Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator about issues facing the region and the state.

Bontà Pizzeria & Restaurant, owned by husband and wife duo Nunzio and Antonella Granito, recently celebrated its 10^th year in business.

At Coffee & Connect, participants can enjoy free coffee and fresh pastries, but the mom-and-pop restaurant also serves up authentic, homemade Italian specialties, including paninis, pastas, soups, salads, pizzas and calzones that will be available for purchase.

The event is open to any resident of the 30^th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events can visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com or connect with Senator Johnson on Facebook and Twitter.

“Small businesses are the heart of any community, and Bontà Pizzeria is the perfect example,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to talk with constituents about our community’s future—and maybe even introduce them to their new favorite restaurant.”