Yesterday, the Illinois legislature joined the ranks of seventeen other states by passing a bill expanding health-care options for young adults.  Set to take effect on January 1, 2009, the bill allows young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until they turn twenty-six years old.  In Illinois, an estimated 300,000 young adults are eligible for this extended coverage. 

The bill was applauded by the Agudath Israel Midwest Regional office who worked to ensure its passage.  While before, the age limit for coverage was dictated on a policy by policy basis, this bill ensures that in Illinois all young adults up to age twenty-six are entitled to be covered as a dependent on their parents’ group plan.

The Midwest Regional office’s Legislative Assistant, Mrs. Sheba Seif, played a key role in the bill’s speedy passage through the statehouse. Mrs. Seif acknowledges the partners that contributed to the bill’s success.  “Our thanks goes to  Senator Dan Kotowski, Representative Elizabeth Coulson, United Power for Change, Chicago PACT and the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law for their instrumental role in securing the passage of a piece of legislation of considerable importance to so many Illinois families.”

Mr. Mordecai Tessler, the Chairman of the Agudath Israel of the Midwest, voiced his support for the passage of HB5285.   “This bill provides the members of the religious Jewish community with a practical and viable option to ensure health-care coverage for the many single young adults who may not opt for private or individual insurance otherwise.  Without this critical provision many young adults would go without health insurance leaving them at significant risk.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)