SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers are considering a bill that could give hospital workers easier access to healthcare. This comes as many providers struggle to receive healthcare because of high insurance premiums coming out of their paychecks.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) hopes to cap the out-of-pocket insurance cost for healthcare workers to 10% of the premium cost.

Resident physicians told the House Insurance Committee Tuesday that this change could ensure they have more resources to take care of themselves while working in Illinois.

"We can and need to do better," said Erica Henry with the Committee of Interns and Residents. "This isn’t just about resident physicians. Our hospitals can’t stay open without CNAs, security workers, cafeteria workers and of course RNs."

Hospitals violating the policy would be required to pay $500 fines to the Department of Public Health for each impacted covered employee.

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association opposes the idea, arguing that the issue of salary and wages is a subject of collective bargaining. They also said lawmakers should not move forward with this mandate as it could lead to unintended consequences.

House Bill 4957 is currently locked in the House Rules Committee. The measure was only discussed during a subject matter hearing Tuesday.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.