Springfield, IL — A bipartisan bill aimed at increasing awareness, education and care for workers experiencing menopause or perimenopause has advanced to the Illinois Senate.
The Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act (H.B. 5284), introduced by Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago), advanced out of the House in April and is under consideration by the Senate Insurance Committee.
Under the bill, employers would be prohibited from discriminating against workers experiencing menopause or perimenopause. It also would direct employers to provide reasonable on-the-job accommodations, such as private spaces for symptom management, temperature-controlled or climate-adjusted workspaces, remote work options, and light-duty assignments.
Workers who request accommodations would need to be involved in a good faith, interactive process with their employer.
Organizations would also have to post notices of the rights provided under the legislation.
In addition, the bill would mandate that by Jan. 1, 2028, all individual and group health insurance policies that are issued, renewed or amended in the state offer coverage for medically necessary evaluation and treatment of both perimenopause and menopause by a licensed health care provider.
Finally, the Illinois Department of Public Health would be required to develop and make publicly available educational material on menopause and its symptoms, along with evidence-based treatment options.
