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 “We recognize that hospitals on the front lines
against COVID-19 need support and they need it now,” said Theresa
Eagleson, HFS director. “We’re incredibly thankful to the medical
professionals who are serving Illinoisans during this public health
crisis, and we are committed to doing all we can to help them.”
Stability payments are being issued in installments until July 1,
2020 through the state’s Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO)
partners. Hospitals began receiving the first installments in late
April.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the
healthcare industry. While some providers have experienced an
onslaught of suspected or infected patients, others have a looming
shortfall of revenue due to delayed elective procedures or patients
with chronic conditions seeking care in different ways that reduce
risk of exposure to the virus.
“This added support to face the COVID-19 crisis and the aftermath
will be crucial to communities that are at the front lines of the
fight,” said Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Senate Majority Leader
and Joint Caucus Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
“Hospitals are vital not only for healthcare but as engines of
economic opportunity and jobs. We must continue providing the
resources they need for their staff, their patients and their
surrounding neighborhoods.”
To offer further support, a bipartisan working group created last
year to extend the Hospital Assessment Program has agreed to a
proposal that would bring nearly $250 million more dollars annually
to hospitals throughout the state. This will maximize federal
participation in Medicaid and move to a more dynamic payment system
that is responsive to the needs of individual member decisions on
where to seek care.
“Hospitals perform a central role in every community throughout our
state,” said Senator Heather Steans. “The importance of hospitals
has never been higher, so our support should be stronger, especially
for hospitals relying more on state Medicaid resources for funding.
I’m pleased that we all came together in a bipartisan manner to
accomplish this goal.”
The Department has submitted the proposal to the federal government
and advocated for quick approval to solidify the future for
hospitals across the state. "With this
proposal, we ensure that more Medicaid dollars will come into
Illinois, with vital support being directed to those who are most in
need,” said Senator Dave Syverson, Senate Republican Leader. “As
Illinois continues to fight COVID-19, this strong hospital
assessment program will provide much needed resources to those who
have been indispensable to all of us and who will continue offering
such essential protection and care in the future."
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Overall, $3.8 billion would be provided to hospitals
through the renewed assessment program. In addition to the
additional funding, $150 million dollars would be offered to
hospitals for innovative future healthcare projects under guidelines
that are being developed.
“It has never been more crucial for all of us to come together and
support hospitals throughout Illinois,” said Representative Tom
Demmer, Deputy Republican Leader. “With this proposal, we are
committing resources to the professionals who are working every day
to protect us and our communities.”
“For communities of color that have always faced immense healthcare
challenges and are now in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, the
hospital assessment program agreement will offer a range of
necessary resources and support,” said Representative Elizabeth
Hernandez, co-chair, Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus. “Those who
are risking themselves every day deserve nothing less than our
unwavering help.”
With authorization from the General Assembly and approval from the
federal government, the new program would operate from July 1, 2020
until the end of 2022.
“As one who has dedicated their life's work to supporting quality
healthcare and hospitals, I believe it is essential that we all come
together at this time of emergency to bring more resources to the
courageous men and women who are protecting our communities,” said
Representative Camille Lilly. “This proposal will play a significant
part in accomplishing that mission.”
HFS has also submitted several federal Medicaid waivers asking for
new flexibilities for patients and providers. The department is
still awaiting federal guidance on some of the requests. Information
about submitted and approved new flexibilities, including new
expansive guidance on telehealth options, can be found on the HFS
website at
https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/
Pages/coronavirus.aspx
More information for clients and providers is available on the HFS
website at
www.HFS.Illinois.gov. Individuals wanting to apply for
benefits or check on their case are encouraged to visit
www.ABE.illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
