Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, aimed at addressing critical gaps in Illinois’ health insurance, has been signed into law by the governor. The new law guarantees individuals with major jaw injuries including those caused by cancer, access to essential medical treatments without the fear of insurance denials. The legislation started when an Illinois resident undergoing treatment for Jaw cancer required extensive reconstructive surgery and dental implants to restore basic functions like eating and speaking. However, when this patient turned to their insurance provider for help, they were met with denial. The insurance company labeled the dental implants as “cosmetic,” refusing to cover the cost, despite the critical and obvious role these implants played in the patient’s recovery. When the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) and the legislative sponsors learned of the situation, they filed Senate Bill 3305, which requires both individual and group insurance policies to cover medically necessary treatments for major jaw injuries, whether resulting from accidents or diseases. This includes procedures such as oral and facial surgery, dental implants, prosthetics, and other essential treatments.