Ill. bill would bar alcohol, drug exclusions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--Illinois lawmakers have passed legislation prohibiting health benefit plans from excluding coverage for treatment of injuries occurring while an insured is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The legislation approved Tuesday by the Illinois House and Senate would amend Illinois' insurance code.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed similar legislation into law on May 9.

The District of Columbia, Delaware, Indiana and Maryland also recently adopted similar laws, according to Ensuring Solutions to Alcohol Problems, a part of the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington that works to address alcohol treatment issues.