Morrison passes legislation to expand dental coverage for people with developmental disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to curb the price of dental care by expanding Medicaid coverage for people with autism and developmental disabilities sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is on its way to be considered by the full Senate. 

“Healthy teeth can help lead to better overall physical health,” Morrison said. “However, not everyone can endure the stressors of the dentist. We must ensure everyone – including people with autism or other developmental disabilities – can receive the care they need.”

Senate Bill 346 addresses dental care services that are either not covered or under-reimbursed by Medicaid. The measure, which is similar to two bills Morrison filed last year before the pandemic, expands coverage of dental care and anesthesia for people with autism or a developmental disability, making those individuals more comfortable when visiting the dentist.

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, because it is difficult for them to get treatment, people with developmental disorders suffer “a high burden of dental disease.” More than 30% of the patients studied suffered from untreated cavities and 80% from serious gum infections.

Additionally, the measure requires Medicaid to cover dental care, including anesthesia, that is provided in a hospital or surgical treatment center for any individual with a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia.

The measure passed the Senate Health Committee Tuesday. It now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Morrison leads hearing on vaccine distribution

SPRINGFIELD – Following up on her promise to hold local health departments and other COVID-19 vaccine stakeholders accountable, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) led a Senate hearing Monday to receive updates on the statewide distribution plan.

“Doses and distribution of the vaccine are ramping up, but we still have eligible people who have struggled to get an appointment,” Morrison said. “However, the number of people vaccinated and the promise from the federal government to increase supply have given me hope for the future.”

Last month, Morrison hosted a Senate hearing to get to the bottom of the confusing vaccination distribution process and call for a more comprehensive and timely plan. During the Feb. 11 meeting, she and other members of the Senate Health Committee raised concerns about the number of available vaccines and the competitive crowd.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike reassured the group people will receive their vaccines as quickly as possible. During Monday’s update, Ezike said more than four million vaccines have been administered in Illinois – an exciting milestone that has led to over 25% of adults getting their dose.

However, she also acknowledged in certain areas of the state – including suburban Cook County and rural areas – supply is lacking. She said she expects the number of doses to ramp up in the weeks to come. Additionally, she announced a rural vaccination program which will send mobile sites to certain communities this week.

While Morrison said she is pleased so many eligible Illinoisans have been vaccinated, she hopes to see the number grow exponentially in the weeks to come.

“The demand for the vaccine is higher than ever, but the number of doses available is continuing to grow,” Morrison said. “Thanks to the work of health department officials and the patience of Illinoisans anxious to receive their dose, we are the right track toward normalcy.”

Last week, the Lake County Public Health Department reported more than 50% of people over the age of 65 were vaccinated, and Cook County reported more than 65%.  

Any person who has questions about the vaccine or who is struggling to find an appointment is encouraged to call IDPH’s vaccine hotline at 833-621-1284.

EVENT: How to protect yourself from fraud

As the countdown to the tax filing deadline begins, many of us are thinking about doing our taxes online in an effort to mitigate the fear of contracting COVID-19.

But that can lead to other fears as well: Are you at risk fraud if you enter such personal information via a computer?

The short answer: If you’re safe, no. There are many ways to protect yourself from cyber scams.

Join myself and a representative from the Illinois attorney general’s office next Friday, March 19 at 1 p.m. for a free, virtual event to teach you how to protect yourself from tax fraud, and to learn about common scams seen throughout the pandemic.

To register in advance for the event, click here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 847-945-5200.

I hope you’ll take advantage of this free opportunity!

Morrison: Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issues

SPRINGFIELD – Although a record number of people cast their votes by mail in the 2020 General Election, not every registered voter had the privilege to practice their civic duty. Voters with limited manual dexterity or visual impairments – among other disabilities – may not be able to fill out paper ballots by hand, limiting their ability to vote remotely.

To give every person the same opportunity to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is spearheading a measure to provide more accessible remote ballots.

“Voting is a right – regardless of a person’s ability to visit a physical polling location or their ability to write,” Morrison said. “Voters who are disabled should be able to cast their ballots freely, fairly and safely.”

The measure would require the State Board of Elections to create a rule to allow ballots to be sent electronically and be filled out using assistive technology. The electronic ballots will only be available by request under Senate Bill 1907.

Several states, including Ohio, Maryland, and Oregon, have already made electronic ballot marking systems available for remote voting. Assistive technologies commonly used include screen readers, digital magnifiers and text-to-speech software.

“Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issues,” Morrison said. “Just because a person has a disability, doesn’t mean their voice doesn’t matter. Their voices should be elevated so issues – just like low voting accessibility – are taken seriously.”

Additionally, to provide people with a safer and more efficient way to vote, Morrison is spearheading a measure to allow election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots. Election authorities would be able to receive reimbursement through the federal Help America Vote Act to pay for the boxes. It also allows curbside voting – which could assist people who are disabled vote at polling locations that are not as accessible as they should be.

“Many of us take our ability to vote for granted,” Morrison said. “Imagine going to a polling place where you have to climb stairs or fill out a paper ballot, and that’s something you simply cannot do. Just imagine how discouraging that is to a person.”

Senate Bill 1906 is similar to a measure sponsored by Morrison during January session that did not make it out of the House due to limited time.

Both measures await committee assignment.