DeKalb Times

Illinois lawmakers could consider legislation that would require unvaccinated people who contract COVID-19 to pay for their own healthcare expenses out of pocket regardless of their insurance coverage.

State Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) is against the legislation, House Bill 4259.

"I strongly oppose this proposal," Stewart wrote in a Dec. 10 Facebook post. "A legislative and legal analysis shows that the language introduced would conflict with pre-existing federal law."

Stewart believes even if the bill passed through the General Assembly and became law, it would be successfully challenged and overturned in a court of law. 

"Medicaid Services has recently issued guidance on this topic, stating in part, 'plans and issuers may not discriminate ineligibility for benefits or coverage based on whether or not an individual obtains a COVID-19 vaccination,'" Stewart wrote in his Facebook post. 

Stewart added the lawmaker who introduced the bill has tabled it, at least for now.

"My office will keep a close eye on the topic during the upcoming legislative session, and will do what it takes to ensure all Illinoisans continue to receive the healthcare coverage they deserve regardless of their vaccination status," Stewart wrote in the post. 

Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook) is the legislator Stewart alluded to in his Facebook post.  According to NBC Chicago, House Bill 4259 would require those who choose not to get the COVID-19 vaccinations to be on the hook for medical costs for treatment of COVID, even with insurance. 

NPR reported people who aren't vaccinated could have to pay more for their health insurance, too with more companies adding additional fees for those who choose not to get the shot. 

According to records on the Illinois General Assembly website, Carroll tabled the bill on Dec. 9, three days after he filed it with the clerk.