Parents and Pediatricians Support HB 2343 to Reverse Crisis for Families Covered by All Kids, Medicaid Programs
SPRINGFIELD –State Representative Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to avert a growing crisis in children’s access to health care. HB 2343 provides funding to help ensure that children who need a specialist’s care and who are covered by the state’s All Kids and Medicaid programs can receive the care they need.
“Children covered by our state’s All Kids program who have chronic and complicated medical conditions are already vulnerable,” said Representative Mendoza. “When a child needs the care of a specialist, it affects the entire family. Right now, the health and future of these children are at risk because our Medicaid program grossly underfunds the doctors who care for them. That needs to change. I’m proud to introduce HB 2343 and make sure children can always get the treatment they need.”
HB 2343 will help the children who desperately need a specialist’s care and the physicians who have continued to care for their patients despite suffering serious, unsustainable financial losses each year. The bill will help alleviate some of the problems caused by under-reimbursing pediatric specialists by raising the amount the state reimburses these physicians to 66 cents for each dollar of cost over 3 years. At the end of the 3-year phase-in period, these doctors will be reimbursed at the same rate as the Medicare program. This increase will help ensure that pediatric specialists are available to treat children throughout the state who need more complex care.
On February 1 of this year, a slight rate increase took effect for pediatric specialists – the first such increase in more than 8 years. Even with this increase, physicians will still be reimbursed just under 35 cents (up from 33 cents) for every dollar they spend to care for children insured by Medicaid. Illinois ranks 42nd in the nation in Medicaid physician reimbursement rates, making the state’s critical shortage of pediatric specialists even worse.
“Continuing to inadequately fund treatment by specialists prevents essential access to medical care and threatens the life and health of our children,” said Dr. Irwin Benuck MD, President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “We need a more sustainable solution and HB 2343 puts physicians and families on a steadier path.”
HB 2343 will be co-sponsored by Representatives Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines), Harry Osterman (D-Chicago), Julie Hamos (D-Evanston), Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview), John Fritchey (D-Chicago), Kathleen Ryg (D-Vernon Hills), and Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines).
We Care for Illinois Kids is a group of physicians and families throughout the state who have been affected by this crisis and are calling for a solution. Doctors and parents who want to learn more, share their story or join this coalition can go to www.wecareforillinoiskids.org for more information.
