CHICAGO (AP) -- A West Peoria business owner hopes the new federal health legislation will help him reduce his insurance costs.
Dennis Beaupre (boh-PRAY') says he and his wife have seen their premiums almost double to $970 a month since she was diagnosed with breast cancer and he was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Beaupre says they can't shop around for more affordable insurance because they'd be denied coverage.
He spoke Wednesday during a conference call with reporters about a new report by the advocacy group Families USA.
The report finds 23 percent of Illinois residents under age 65 have a diagnosed medical problem that could result in a denial of insurance without health reform.
Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions starting in 2014 under the new law.
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Online: http://www.familiesusa.org
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