In this episode of The Council Covers It, we’re honored to welcome Senator Julie Morrison, Chairwoman of the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee and a powerhouse voice in public policy. From championing issues to navigating the complexities of insurance legislation, Senator Morrison brings clarity, compassion, and commitment to her role.

Host Kate Morthland sits down with the Senator to explore:
✅ Her legislative priorities this session
✅ What it’s like to lead the Senate Insurance Committee
✅ How she balances consumer protections with insurance innovation
✅ The importance of bipartisanship and collaboration in policymaking
✅ Her favorite ways to decompress after a long day in the Capitol

Whether you're a policymaker, insurance professional, or simply curious about how real change happens in Springfield, this episode is full of insight, perspective, and a few personal gems (comfort food, anyone?).

Connect with Senator Morrison:
E-Mail the Senator

Senate Bill 2323 (SB 2323) is discussed in this episode. Be sure to check it out for more context on the policy topics covered.

Join host Kate Morthland for a powerful conversation with Joseph Matty, President of The HAP Foundation, as they spotlight Missing Pieces—a program providing grief support, education, and resources to families coping with the loss of a child.

We’ll explore how the HAP Foundation and Missing Pieces is helping communities and what’s ahead for the program across Illinois.

🔗 Connect with us:

• Visit www.ilhic.com for more info
• Visit the HAP Foundation for more info

Illinois is making a major shift in its health insurance marketplace by transitioning to a State-Based Exchange (SBE)—but what does that mean for you? In this episode of The Council Covers It, host Kate Morthland sits down with Director Morgan Winters, the expert leading this transition, to break down everything you need to know.

Morgan brings a wealth of experience in healthcare policy and exchange operations, having played a key role in Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, MNsure. Together, we’ll explore the goals, timeline, and impact of this shift—and what it means for Illinois residents.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What a State-Based Exchange is and why Illinois is making the switch
✅ Key milestones in the transition and what to expect moving forward
✅ Insights from Illinois’ first Open Enrollment as a state-based exchange on the federal platform
✅ Lessons learned from other state-based exchanges and what’s crucial for success

Keep in Touch:

📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@IL_LHIC) for the latest updates on health and life insurance.
🎙️ Subscribe to The Council Covers It on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!
🌐 Visit www.ilhic.com for more resources and updates.

Learn More About GetCovered:

📌 Visit the Get Covered Illinois website for important information on health coverage.
📩 Sign up for State-Based Marketplace updates and meetings by clicking this link: HBEAC

In this episode, we explore the Katie School of Risk Management and Insurance's latest report on the economic impact of Illinois' insurance industry. Our expert guests break down some eye-opening insights:

💡 How does Illinois rank compared to other states in industry impact? 
💡 Did you know $1 in every $13 of U.S. health premiums is written by an Illinois-based insurer? 
💡 What contributes to the $10,190 annual healthcare expenditure in Illinois? 
💡 Self-insured vs. Fully Insured vs. Medicaid/Medicare – what’s the difference?

Join us as we unpack the latest data and discuss the future of insurance in Illinois. You won’t want to miss this!

Read the full report by clicking HERE. 

Join us as we explore Artificial Intelligence, its rapid growth, ethical and societal impacts, and future applications across various industries. Dr. Winter highlights the importance of familiarizing oneself with AI and staying updated on its swift advancements. Embracing AI is inevitable.  Resistance if futile. For more insights, contact Dr. Winter at [email protected] and watch his blog cast on AI at the University of Nebraska Omaha here.

 Live long and prosper.

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️ Join us in our latest episode as we tackle healthcare costs with Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber. With expenses soaring, employers are navigating challenges in providing top-notch coverage while managing costs. Tune in as we delve deep into this critical issue with one of the industry's leading experts! 

Illinois Chamber of Commerce (ilchamber.org)

In this episode, join Cindy Goff from the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) as she provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of excepted benefits. Cindy and Kate delve into the intricacies of these products, exploring how they are offered and the advantages they offer to employees, employers, and unions alike.

Have questions? Email Cindy at [email protected]

Check our ACLI at www.acli.com

Listen in as the Council discusses the incredible impact of the insurance industry in Illinois with Jim Jones, Executive Director of the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management at Illinois State University, and Dr. Tice Sirmans, faculty member in the Finance, Insurance, and Law Department as an Assistant Professor of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) in the College of Business at Illinois State University. 

Jim Jones and Dr. Tice Sirmans discuss their recent publication describing the various ways the insurance industry fuels the Illinois economy. 

Read the article by clicking HERE.

Jim Jones and Dr. Tice Sirmans are also Co-Editors in Chief of the Journal of Insurance Issues.  To access the Journal, click HERE.

Access the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management by clicking HERE. 

Join the Council as we dive into the critical components of health equity with America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP's) Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer, LaShawn McIver, MD, MHP.

Have questions?   Check the link below!
AHIP Homepage - AHIP

New Episode Alert!

Sarah Montgomery, Vice President for Paid Family and Medical Leave Implementation at ACLI, explains how the insurance industry provides cost savings, equity, and flexibility to states looking at implementing paid family leave programs.

Have questions? Contact Sarah at [email protected].