Press Release « heathersteans.com

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

State public health director, Conference of Women Legislators and American Heart Association raise awareness of heart disease

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

February 24, 2010

Go Red to Raise Awareness of the Number One Killer in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – During American Heart Month, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, today joined the American Heart Association and Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) in the Capitol Blue Room to help raise awareness about heart disease. Legislators in attendance were able to get a pulse on their health by testing out the My Life Check Web site.

Heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and women account for almost 53 percent of all heart disease deaths according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, one in every four women dies of heart disease. The latest statistics show that in 2007, more than 13,000 women in Illinois died from heart disease. In 2008, more than 155,000 women were told they had a heart attack.

“To help prevent heart disease, we know we need to eat a heart healthy diet, exercise, quit smoking and control other health concerns such as diabetes. We need to encourage these healthy habits and try to reduce the chances of women in our lives developing heart disease,” said Dr. Arnold. “Together, we can help promote heart disease awareness and heart healthy living.”

“We want to reach out to women to teach them the warning signs of heart disease and the risk factors, to help them live longer, stronger, healthier lives,” American Heart Association volunteer and national television commentator Laura Schwartz said. “We have all been touched by heart disease in some way, and American Heart Month is the perfect time to educate ourselves and our family and friends on how to prevent this number one killer of women.”

During the event, legislators had the opportunity to test and demonstrate the My Life Check Web site (http://mylifecheck.heart.org), a tool designed by the American Heart Association and aimed at improving health by educating the public on how best to live. The Web site features a three to five minute assessment that will help users understand their current level of cardiovascular health, assess their individual health needs, help them to commit to steps to improve their health and quality of life, and move closer to personal health goals.

…

“More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combine, including all forms of cancer. I want to urge everyone, especially women, to learn about the signs, symptoms and treatments for heart disease, as well as the steps they can take to ensure good heart health,” said Rep. Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn) and co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators.

“We must work together – legislators, doctors, health departments and more – to raise awareness of heart disease. I encourage everyone to join millions of people across the country working together to raise awareness of the number one killer in Illinois and in the U.S.,” said Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and co-chair of the Conference of Women Legislators.”

…

Read the Full Press Release Here

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted in Healthcare, Press Release

Senator Heather Steans: Key Health Insurance Reform Becomes Law

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Springfield, IL – Today, State Senator Heather Steans (D-7th Chicago),
along with her Senate colleagues, joined Governor Pat Quinn at a bill
signing for House Bill 3923, which is designed to promote health
insurance fairness.

House Bill 3923 establishes an independent review process for carriers
who have denied claims and makes it easier for small businesses to apply
for health insurance. It also sets up a committee that will be
responsible for creating a standard heath insurance application for
individual and small employer policies. The committee will be comprised
of the Director of the Department of Illinois Insurance, consumers and
representatives of the health insurance industry and the standard
application must be completed by January 1, 2011. In addition, House
Bill 3923 will increase insurance companies’ reporting requirements to
the Department of Insurance by requiring each of these companies to
report their administrative expenses.

“This new law ensures that Illinoisans who pay for private insurance are
better protected from unfair and inconsistent health insurance industry
practices,” Steans said. “This law also gives the Department of
Insurance an additional tool to examine and study the rising costs of
health insurance.”
According to a report by AARP, which is a strong proponent of this
legislation, in the private market, an average annual premium for a
family of four has risen to nearly $5,500, while an individual premium
costs $2,500 in Illinois. A recent AARP study found that adults aged
50-64 spend roughly 10% of their income on health coverage, and pay
three times as much as their peers with employer-sponsored coverage.
“As more Illinois residents lose their employer-based health insurance,
they must turn to the private industry; however, many times the
application process can be so confusing that people are unable to get
the proper coverage they need,” Steans said. “This new law creates an
even playing field and ensures that all Illinoisans who have to purchase
private insurance plans have easier access to the quality health care
they need.”

Senator Steans, Representative Harris, and Governor Quinn discuss the signing of HB3923 at a press conference on January 5 before the bill was signed.

####

____________________________________________________________________

Posted in Press Release

Senator Heather Steans Passes Key Health Insurance Reform Legislation

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Picture: Heather Steans with Representative Greg Harris and Emily Miller from PIRG hold a press conference on the health insurance reform bill.

Springfield, IL – Today a measure that promotes health insurance fairness sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans (D-7th Chicago) and Representative Greg Harris (D-13th Chicago) moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

The Individual Health Insurance Fairness Act (House Bill 3923), establishes an independent review process for carriers who have denied claims and makes it easier for small businesses to apply for health insurance by creating a standard application for all insurance companies. In addition, this measure requires insurance companies to place more information online so consumers can see how their premium dollars are spent.

“This new legislation provides far better protection for people who have private health insurance and also improves the access and quality of health care in Illinois,” Steans said. “It also ensures that Illinoisans are better protected from unfair and inconsistent health insurance industry practices.”

According to a report by AARP, which is also a strong proponent of this legislation, in the private market, an average annual premium for a family of four has risen to nearly $5,500, while an individual premium costs $2,500 in Illinois. A recent AARP study found that adults aged 50-64 spend roughly 10% of their income on health coverage, and pay three times as much as their peers with employer-sponsored coverage.

“With more and more Illinois citizens losing their employer based health insurance, they must turn to the private industry; however, many times these unfair practices make it even harder for people to get the care they need,” Steans said. “This is about fairness and making sure that all Illinoisans who have to purchase private insurance plans have easier access and the quality health care they need.”

____________________________________________________________________

Posted in Legislation, Press Release