SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s latest legislative measure would ensure that people medically requiring laser hair removal due to hidradenitis supportive, dysphoria, or polycystic ovary syndrome will soon be able to get this procedure covered by their insurance plans. 

“We heard testimony from Illinoisans living with these describe the extreme discomfort and emotional distress they experience when they are unable to access treatment,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Ensuring folks have access to medically necessary procedures through their insurance is a humane response to an issue that has long been overlooked.” 

Since laser hair removal is currently considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by many health insurance plans. However, there are cases in which laser hair removal is considered medically necessary, including for people with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by blocked hair follicles, severe hormonal disorders that may lead to excess hair growth, and gender dysphoria. For people with these conditions, going through life without laser hair removal causes immense physical and mental discomfort, but unfortunately cannot be addressed by all insurance plans currently available. 

To give more people the ability to seek medically necessary care, House Bill 3248, championed by Representative Lilian Jiménez in the House, would require all state employee health plans and private insurance plans to cover medically necessary laser hair removal if the procedure is a prescribed medical treatment in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical care. If passed, people diagnosed with these conditions will be able to pursue this treatment plan at a lower personal cost and improve their quality of life. 

“Health care is a human right,” said Guzmán. “When our insurance companies deem certain conditions less deserving of covering treatment, that isn’t right. I am proud to have worked on a measure that prioritizes patients’ quality of life, and am glad to see it one step closer to becoming law.” 

House Bill 3248 passed the Senate on Thursday.