Illinois Department of Insurance Urges Relief for Federal Workers During Shutdown

The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) is urging insurers to help protect federal employees by suspeding cancellation of policies during the government shutdown.

IDOI Calls for Insurance Relief Amid Federal Shutdown

According to the press release, policyholders statewide are facing financial hardship due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, so IDOI is calling on insurance companies to provide policy relief to keep coverage by extending repair deadlines, and putting a pause on cancellations.

READ MORE: Illinois Seniors Being Urged to Check Medicare Plans

Since the lapse in appropriations began on October 1, more than 153,000 federal employees in Illinois have been affected.

These consumers should not have the added burden of losing insurance coverage because they are not being paid and cannot pay their auto or homeowners insurance premiums. -Ann Gillespie, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance

Measures to Protect Affected Illinois Policyholders

The IDOI is recommending immediate measure to proected policyholders being affected by the shutdown.

Insurers are being asked to implement a moratorium on cancellations if premiums go unpaid, and allow coverage to continue for at least 30 days, or through the duration of the government shutdown.

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The Department of Insurance is also requesting extensions for repairs under property policies, giving residents extra time if repair deadlines are not met due to financial hardship or logistical delays.

Help for Impacted Illinois Federal Employees

Illinois federal employees at risk of having their insurance policy cancelled should contact the IDOI's Consumer Assistance Hotline at 866-445-5364, or email DOI.Complaints@Illinois.gov for support and guidance.