Families and Physicians Support SB 1515 to Reverse Crisis for Children Covered by All Kids, Medicaid Programs
SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) introduced legislation in the Illinois General Assembly to avert a growing crisis in children’s access to health care. SB 1515 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.
“Right now, there are too many families in Illinois having trouble finding a pediatric specialist who can accept All Kids insurance,” said Senator Steans. “Too often, parents must travel hundreds of miles or wait more than six months to get an appointment for their child simply because the State isn’t providing the necessary funding to allow specialists to participate in the All Kids program. This bill clears the way for all children to receive the care they need.”
SB 1515 will help alleviate some of the problems caused by under-reimbursing pediatric specialists by raising the amount the state reimburses physicians to 66 cents for each dollar of cost over 3 years. Currently, these same specialists are reimbursed at about 35 cents on the dollar. 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 rate increase of less than two cents on the dollar took effect for pediatric specialists. While this was the first such increase in more than 8 years, Illinois still ranks 42nd in the nation in the amount reimbursed to doctors through the Medicaid program.
“It is a real struggle for children in need of care and for their families, primary doctors, and pediatric specialists around the state,” said Dr. Daniel Johnson, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at University of Chicago Medical Center. “I know that times are hard and budgets are tight, but children who need the care of a specialist shouldn’t have to pay the price. The more equitable rates included in this legislation will help us deliver on the promise of the All Kids program and treat children with the most complex and chronic conditions.”
SB 1515 will be co-sponsored by Senators Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston), Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Susan Garrett (D-Highwood).
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.
