3 New Women’s Health Laws Coming to Illinois in 2026

Women in Illinois will have three new healthcare options starting in 2026.

Already approved and set to take effect on January 1, 2026, three new women’s health laws in Illinois will expand care options related to mammogram screenings, miscarriage and stillbirth support, and menopause treatment.

3 New Laws for Women in 2026

The first (HB 4180) is for Diagnostic Mammogram Screenings. This last states that health insurance plans in Illinois must cover molecular breast imaging (MBI) if a mammogram shows dense breast tissue or if a doctor says it’s medically necessary. It goes on to include that HMOs must follow these rules too, which already require coverage for mammograms, mastectomies, and other breast cancer screenings.

Stillbirths and Miscarriages

The second law (HB 5282) is for miscarriage or stillbirths. It states that insurance must cover the treatment for mental, emotional, or substance use disorder for those women who have suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Get our free mobile app

Hormone Therapy - Menopause

Finally, House Bill 5295 supports women going through menopause by requiring coverage for medically necessary hormone therapy. The goal is to provide treatment options other than using a hysterectomy to manage menopause symptoms.

Read More: Are You Allowed to Sleep in Your Car in Illinois?

This year, insurance companies can begin preparing for new laws taking effect in 2026 that will give more women the support they need for the health issues mentioned above. The best thing you can do when these laws go into effect is to call your insurance company and talk to your doctor about getting the care you need.