SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a law that will extend dependent accident and health insurance coverage benefits to now cover parents or stepparents.

“When someone is taking care of a parent who depends on them, it is not always easy to get ample health care coverage,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding the options of who can be considered a dependent under insurance policies ensures those who are caring for a parent can provide them with access to comprehensive and quality care through their current policy.”

This law requires group or individual policies of accident and health insurance that provide dependent coverage to make such coverage available to parents or stepparents of the insured individual.

This coverage would only apply to parents or stepparents who receive at least six months of care from the insurance holder or who lives under the same roof as the insurance holder.

“We are already taking major strides in expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare throughout Illinois by transitioning to a state-based marketplace for health insurance by 2026,” said Huynh (D-Chicago). “Allowing some adult children to add their parents as dependents on their health insurance plans will not only further this expansion but will also help more families care for their parents the way they cared for us.”

House Bill 5258 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.