Illinois General Assembly Passes Extension of COVID-19 Presumption

The COVID-19 rebuttable presumption statute that was enacted last Spring only extended through December 31, 2020.  On January 13, the Illinois General Assembly passed HB4276, extending the provisions of the statute through June 30, 2021.  Once signed into law by the Governor, it will provide the same rebuttable presumption of compensability for COVID claims going forward, and will also apply retroactively to claims that may have arisen between January 1 and the date of enactment.  The bill likewise extends COVID-related protections in the Public Employee Disability Act (PEDA) and other statutes.  Here is a link to the bill passed today: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/PDF/10100HB4276sam001.pdf.

Please feel free to contact any of our team to discuss the implications of the extension of benefits, or any other questions related to the handling of COVID-19 claims.  We will continue to provide updated information as it develops.