Illinois could be a promising state for gastroenterology practices looking to open or grow, after the state's governor signed an expansive piece of colonoscopy legislation.
On Aug. 9, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2385, which requires insurance coverage for all colonoscopies in patients that show signs or symptoms of colon cancer or have an existing colon condition. This would effectively grant free access to all colonoscopies deemed medically necessary in the state.
The bill was championed by state Senator Willie Preston. Current legislation requires insurance to cover colonoscopies as a follow-up exam after receiving a recommendation from a primary care physician, but the new legislation will eliminate the follow-exam requirement.
Illinois has seen at least three new GI practices open or expand in 2024. According to data published by the National Cancer Institute, Illinois' rates of new CRC cases overall and the number of advanced-stage diagnoses are higher than the U.S. national average.