Illinois Now Covers Universal Lead Blood Tests for All Children Starting July 1

Every child in Illinois will now be eligible for covered blood tests for lead contamination — a landmark shift in the state's approach to protecting its youngest and most vulnerable residents from a toxin with no safe exposure level.

Beginning July 1, the Illinois Department of Public Health has expanded its Childhood Lead Program to include all ZIP codes across the state. Under the new universal policy, children will automatically qualify for covered blood lead tests at 12 and 24 months of age, regardless of where they live.

A Shift From Targeted to Universal Testing

Previously, Illinois law only required covered testing for children living in designated