Illinois is the first state in the U.S. to issue such a prohibition.
Health insurance plans that discriminate against HIV-infected patients will be banned from the Illinois health insurance marketplace in 2015, according to a statement by the Illinois Department of Insurance.
The statement notes that discrimination against any health condition is prohibited — but now emphasizes that this includes HIV/AIDS. Illinois is the first state to explicitly name HIV/AIDS in its ban on discrimination.
An example of potential discrimination: The Department of Health and Human Services has a list of “recommended” drug regimens for HIV/AIDS, as well as a list of “alternative” regimens that should be considered “recommended” in certain situations. If an insurer failed to cover these medications, it could be considered discri…