Avelar Advances Measure Expanding School-Based Health Service Coverage

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is working to expand access to on-campus health screenings for students by passing new legislation through a House committee that would require insurance to cover care at school-based health centers across the state.

“School-based health centers make it easier for kids to receive the kind of healthcare they need with minimal disruptions,” said Avelar. “With these kinds of facilities available, more children are able to benefit from services and receive immunizations and other critical healthcare — granting students the leeway to get care without missing a class or other scholarly commitments.”

Avelar’s House Bill 4633 would require health insurance to provide coverage and reimbursement for health services received in a school setting at the same rate they would if those services were received at an outside facility.

Currently, insurance companies can refuse to cover school-based health centers, which operate in at least 38 locations within public high schools and elementary schools. The centers provide a variety of age-appropriate health services — including sports exams, mental health assessments, immunizations, and other screenings — allowing students to receive professional care without missing school. Avelar’s bill would ensure insurance coverage pays for these services as they would cover similar care in a doctor’s office.