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IL HB4429

IL HB4429
BODY MASS INDEX-DISCRIMINATION


summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that no policy of accident or health insurance that is issued, amended, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 may limit or otherwise alter coverage available to an insured based solely on that insured's weight or body mass index. Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Provides that no physician may make a diagnosis or determination of treatment based solely on a patient's body mass index. Establishes disclosure requirements for hospitals concerning the use of body mass index in diagnosis and treatment. Provides that any physician, medical student, resident, advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, physician assistant, licensed behavior analyst, licensed assistant behavior analyst, or clinical psychologist who conducts medical, behavioral, or psychological assessments shall only use methodology recommended by peer-reviewed clinical practice guidelines or methodology established through evidence-based standards that are widely recognized by professional medical, behavioral, or psychological organizations, respective to the form of assessment, when conducting those assessments.

AI Summary

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, prohibits insurance companies in Illinois from denying or altering accident or health insurance coverage based solely on a person's weight or body mass index (BMI), which is a tool using height and weight to estimate body fat. It also amends the Medical Patient Rights Act to prevent physicians from making diagnoses or treatment decisions based only on a patient's BMI, though it clarifies this doesn't prohibit considering other health factors like blood pressure or cholesterol alongside BMI. Furthermore, hospitals will be required to post notices informing patients of their right to treatment regardless of BMI and to know if their weight has been considered in their care, with instructions on how to report concerns. The bill also mandates that medical professionals conducting assessments must use methods recommended by peer-reviewed guidelines or widely recognized evidence-based standards specific to their field.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/20/2026)

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