Chambana Sun

Illinois State House District 104 candidate Brandun Schweizer stated that he "co-sponsored legislation that expanded access to continuous glucose monitors," and noted that the bill awaits the governor's signature. He made this statement in a June 17 Facebook post.

"During the Spring, I co-sponsored legislation that expanded access to continuous glucose monitors," said Schweizer, according to Facebook. "This legislation passed both chambers unanimously and now awaits the Governor's signature."

In his Facebook post, Schweizer shared a link to a news release on his website about this topic. According to the news release, "The legislation allows diabetic patients to access updated medical equipment, regardless of the type of diabetes or insurance they may have. Extending access to continuous glucose monitors, coupled with capping insulin costs, are proactive ways to begin to make lifesaving healthcare more affordable for Illinois families," said Rep. Schweizer.

Screenshot of State Rep. Brandun Schweizer's June 17 Facebook post | State Representative Brandun Schweizer Facebook page

Senate Bill 3414 requires that a group or individual policy for health or accident insurance, or a managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed before Jan. 1, 2026 will cover medically necessary continuous glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with any form of diabetes. A Senate floor amendment says that those plans shall not impose a deductible or copayment to cover a month of continuous glucose monitors, including transmitters. The Senate bill was filed by Sen. Julie Morrison on Feb. 8, 2024, and it moved to the House on April 10. Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass became the chief sponsor in the House, and the bill passed both houses on May 26, 2024.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, as of 2015 there were 800,000 individuals aged 18 and older who were diagnosed with diabetes and another half million who were unaware of their condition. The signs of diabetes include increased thirst, hunger, and urination; weight loss with increased food intake; fatigue; frequent infections; or blurred vision.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented although Type 1 can show up at any age. In Type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing insulin and some patients are required to supplement with injections. In Type 2 diabetes, the first sign is insulin resistance when the body doesn’t properly use the insulin it produces. Exercise, changes in food choices, and other medical decisions may help prevent Type 2 diabetes for those who are at risk.

Schweizer was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 104th House District when Rep. Mike Marron retired. He is a retired US Marine Corps Master Sergeant and worked in Danville as a code enforcement inspector. He and his wife live in Danville with their sons. He created the Tiny Troops Soccer program which teaches young children living on military bases the basics of soccer according to his official biography for the Illinois House of Representatives.