Blair-Sherlock backs HB4203 expanding insurance for select cancer screenings

State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (D-46th) cast a Yes vote for HB4203, a measure designed to expand insurance coverage for specific cancer screenings, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. According to the Illinois House, the legislation received unanimous approval with a 115-0 vote.

The bill's summary describes the effort as: "INS CD-CANCER SCREENINGS."

This overview explains the bill, using and interpreting its official language to clarify its content.

The measure changes the Illinois Insurance Code by increasing the required insurance coverage for some cancer screenings. By including a high CA-125 level detected through blood test as evidence of being “at risk for ovarian cancer,” the bill directs insurers to provide coverage for annual cervical smear or Pap tests, yearly prostate cancer screenings for eligible populations, and ovarian cancer surveillance using exams such as ultrasounds, MRIs, x-rays, CT scans, and CA-125 blood tests. Certain limited coverage policies and high-deductible health plans associated with health savings accounts are excluded. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2028.

The legislative history for HB4203 notes: 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'

Blair-Sherlock graduated with an AA from the College of DuPage in 1985, then completed a BS at Northern Illinois University in 1987, and earned a JD at John Marshall Law School in 1993.

She was elected as a Democrat to the Illinois State House for the 46th District in 2023, taking over from former representative Deborah Conroy.

Each bill in Illinois must go through a multi-step legislative process, beginning with introduction in the House or Senate, committee review, floor debate, and passage by both chambers before consideration by the governor. The General Assembly works on a two-year basis, and while thousands of bills are introduced per session, only a small percentage become law.