* I asked the Pritzker folks whether there’ve been any complaints or compliance issues with state employee group health insurance plans and have yet to hear back…

On the 46th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Governor JB Pritzker took executive action making Illinois the most progressive state in the nation for women’s reproductive rights.

“On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I’m proud to declare under my administration, the State of Illinois will be the most progressive state in the nation when it comes to guaranteeing the right to choose for every single woman,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the courageous advocates across our state, HB 40 is the law of the land. I was proud to stand with you in that fight, because a right is only a right if it can be exercised by everyone. And today, I’m proud to sign an executive order that will further protect and expand the right to choose in Illinois – and that will fully implement all the provisions of HB 40.”

In today’s executive order, Gov. Pritzker took swift action to ensure the state fully enforces HB 40, now known as Public Act 100-0538. Through EO 2019-05, the governor directed the Department of Central Management Services to review all state employee group health insurance plans, identify barriers to women exercising their right to choose, and present recommendations to bring all health insurance plans into compliance with the law within the next 60 days.

The governor signed the executive order at Planned Parenthood of Illinois surrounded by women’s health advocates and co-sponsors of the legislation.

“Women’s rights are human rights. It’s important that women have the right and ability to chose what is best for them and their bodies,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Today’s executive order makes it clear that our state is a leader in that respect.”

*** UPDATE *** From the Pritzker administration…

The office of the governor learned that advocates for safe and legal abortion are concerned that there are several state employee group health insurance plans that are not fully compliant with the intent of HB40. Advocates cited issues of potential non-compliance ranging from failure to cover “elective” abortion or the abortion pill to failure to cover abortion unless it’s necessary for the health of the woman. The governor took immediate action today requiring CMS to conduct an internal review of all state employee group health insurance plans so we can officially identify and take action to correct any residual compliance issues.