SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure through the Senate to help individuals with substance use disorders by requiring insurance companies to cover the medication needed to curb the addiction.

“People suffering from a substance use disorder deserve access medication that could save their life,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I am committed to removing barriers to treatment that insurance companies put in place.”

Recent studies have shown that most people who could benefit from medications for substance use disorders don’t receive treatment. In 2022, there were 3,261 opioid overdose fatalities in the state – more than twice the number of fatal vehicle accidents and homicides. Senate Bill 3741 would improve these statistics by increasing coverage of and access to treatment by prohibiting insurance from requiring prior authorization for the treatment of substance use disorders.

“When substance use disorders are treated on a large scale, everyone wins –crime rates go down and quality of life goes up,” said Morrison. “Increasing access to this treatment is imperative in our fight against the drug epidemic.”

Senate Bill 3741 passed the Senate on Wednesday and moves to the House for further consideration.