Illinois residents can seek mental health care in Wisconsin under new Johnson law

• Waukegan
• Health
• Mental health

SPRINGFIELD – Northern Illinoisans will be able to access mental health care closer to their homes and families under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) establishing a collaborative agreement with private providers in Wisconsin.

“Previously, Illinois residents weren’t allowed to undergo court-ordered mental health treatment in Wisconsin—even if they traveled across state lines every day for work and to visit family,” Johnson said. “It simply doesn’t make sense to force people to seek mental health care hours from home when qualified facilities are close by.”

Johnson’s Interstate Contracts for Mental Health Disorder Treatment Act allows Illinois and Wisconsin residents who are involuntarily admitted for inpatient treatment of a mental health disorder to be treated at private facilities across state lines.

For residents who live near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, the closest qualified hospital or facility is often not in their home state. However, current law prohibits residents from being committed for mental health conditions outside the state, meaning that these residents must undergo treatment hours from family and loved ones.

“This compassionate legislation will allow people experiencing a mental health crisis to receive treatment quickly, as well as closer to their homes and personal support systems, even if that means the facility is across state lines,” said State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan), who sponsored the measure in the House.

Similar collaborative arrangements have been successfully enacted in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota, which allow providers in these states to accept patients from Wisconsin for mental health treatment.

“Staying connected with friends and loved ones is better for patients both during and after treatment,” Johnson said. “This law ensures every Illinois resident has convenient access to high-quality care.”

The legislation, originally Senate Bill 1966, was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Johnson invites residents to ask questions, get assistance at upcoming Vernon Hills Farmers Markets

• Event
• In the district

VERNON HILLS – In an effort to meet Lake County residents where they are and offer her assistance, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) will host mobile office hours this month at the Vernon Hills Farmers Market.

Johnson will have a table at the farmers market on Thursday, Aug. 12 and Thursday, Aug. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. each evening. The market—organized by the Vernon Hills Park District—is open rain or shine at the south end of Century Park in Vernon Hills, located at the corner of Lakeview Parkway and Hawthorn Parkway.

“The farmers market is a great place to buy fresh, local produce, meats, baked goods and more—and to talk with your neighbors about what’s going on in the community,” Johnson said. “It’s the perfect convenient location to host my August mobile office hours.”

Residents are invited to talk with Johnson or a member of her staff at the market for help with unemployment cases and state services, or simply to discuss issues facing the community.

Johnson regularly hosts mobile office hours to reach residents in all corners of the 30^th District. Future dates, times and locations will be announced on Johnson’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on her website, www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

Residents can also contact Johnson’s office for assistance at 847-672-6201 or www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

Older Illinoisans to receive resource information in print under new Johnson law

• Older Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – Older residents will have more convenient access to information on important state programs and resources under a law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“To ensure essential information reaches all our older neighbors, we need to distribute news in a range of forms,” Johnson said. “This law will allow aging Illinoisans to keep resources close at hand—including those who may not have a computer or smartphone, or who simply aren’t comfortable navigating the internet.”

Under the law, the Department on Aging must develop an annual fact sheet to deliver to recipients of home-delivered meals with a current list of toll-free numbers to access information on various health conditions, elder abuse and programs for seniors. Recipients would also receive updates on any new programs for older adults.

“For too long seniors have been left behind and uninformed about services and programs designed to help them live a better quality of life,” said State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, the sponsor of the legislation in the House. “The distribution of information fact sheets by a trusted source, like Meals on Wheels, is a proactive way we can help seniors avoid falling victim to financial exploitation or elder abuse.”

About 12 million meals were delivered to over 144,000 older adults in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, when congregate dining sites were closed, according to the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The lack of in-person interaction during the pandemic interrupted traditional communication channels for many older adults, who as a result missed out on important service updates and opportunities.

“For many older adults, a physical fact sheet may be more reliable than a website or social media page,” Johnson said. “By distributing a printed list of important—and even life-saving—state resources, we’re making sure no resident goes overlooked.”

The law, originally House Bill 32, takes effect immediately.

Insurance must cover pancreatic cancer screenings under Johnson law

• Health
• Insurance

SPRINGFIELD – In memory of many friends and loved ones who have succumbed to the disease, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) sponsored a law to encourage early detection and improve outcomes by expanding access to pancreatic cancer screenings.

“Pancreatic cancer can be deadly, but early detection makes a significant difference for patients’ length of survival and quality of life,” Johnson said. “I’m proud to have sponsored this law to make screening accessible and affordable for every Illinoisan.”

The measure requires all Illinois health insurance providers to cover medically necessary pancreatic cancer screenings.

In 2021, an estimated 60,430 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and approximately 48,220 people will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal and back pain, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea or loss of appetite.

“Early pancreatic cancer screenings for those at risk can create better outlooks for a patient, which is why we wanted to expand affordable access with this measure,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), who sponsored the legislation in the House. “Cancer screenings were significantly down last year due to the pandemic. I encourage residents to talk to their doctor about their risk factors and whether it makes sense to get checked out. It could save your life.”

To reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

“With this law in place, there’s no reason not to get screened,” Johnson said. “Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about your risk factors, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 968, was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.