Lori Cowdrey Benso | Executive Director, Healthcare Council | 217-725-6522
May 2, 2021
The purpose of the Healthcare Council is to develop and take actions to achieve affordable, accessible, efficient, high-quality healthcare options for the employers and residents of our state. We advocate for market-based solutions that encourage innovation in healthcare delivery – and work against costly mandates and burdensome regulations. Through quarterly meetings, the Council brings together the diverse voices of the healthcare community and provides a forum to interact with government and private sector leaders at the highest levels.
Good afternoon!

Illinois front:

 
The House and Senate are scheduled to return on May 4th. The Senate canceled session on May 3rd. Both the House and Senate are also scheduled to continue to hold virtual Committee hearings Monday – Friday.
 
Several bills the Healthcare Council has been tracking passed out of the Chamber/other actions including:
 
o  HB 317 Air Ambulance – Passed House
o  HB 2405 Insurance Guaranty Fund – Passed House
 
There are a limited number of committees posted the week of May 3rd. Please see the list below.
 
Telehealth: The Chamber has requested to participate in the telehealth stakeholder meetings.
 
Prior Authorization: HB 711 passed the House.
 
PBM Reform: A stakeholder meeting was held on Tuesday, April 27th. Both the proponents and opponents were allowed to present regarding the bill. Chairman Harris of the Senate Insurance Committee appeared particularly interested in the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ (HSF) analysis of the bill and the potential fiscal impact. In written documentation submitted prior to the meeting, HFS stated SB 2008, Senate Amendment 1 “makes substantial changes to Medicaid drug pricing, reimbursement, rebate, and dispensing fees which could increase annual Department liability between $110.9 million and $272.2 million annually”.   

The Chamber is concerned about the estimated costs related to SB 2008, and the possible impact on health insurance premiums. Additionally, rules have not been finalized regarding the previous omnibus reform bill, Public Act 101-452.
 
Please see the Chamber website for a complete list of the key bills the individual councils are monitoring. Bill Tracking | Illinois Chamber Action (ilchamberaction.org) The bills we are tracking generally fall into the following categories: Health Care Reform, Telehealth, Prescription Drugs/PBMs, Medicaid reform, Behavioral Health, Utilization Management (including Prior Authorization reform), DOI Initiatives and Coverage Mandates.
 
Healthcare Committees Scheduled the Week of May 3rd:

05-04-21      House – Insurance 3:00 pm
                       Virtual Room 1: www.ilga.gov
                        
  • SB499 INS-HEALTH CARE/TMJ DISORDERS
  • SB1753 INS CODE-SURPLUS LINE/VARIOUS
  • SB1876 INS CODE-GROUP LIFE INSURANCE
  • SB1917 INS CODEEPINEPHRINE INJECTOR
                      
05-04-21      Senate – Health 3:00 pm
                       Virtual Room 2: www.ilga.gov
 
05-05-21      House – Human Services 8:30 am
                       Virtual Room 2: www.ilga.gov
           
05-05-21      House – Mental Health & Addiction 8:30 am
                       Virtual Room 2: www.ilga.gov
                       State of Long Term Care and COVID
 
05-05-21      Senate – Insurance 3:30 pm
                    Virtual Room 1: www.ilga.gov
  • HB 711

                                           
Federal front: 

Apportionment Data Released: Illinois Will Lose One Congressional Seat
On Monday, the US Census Bureau Released its 2020 Apportionment results. The data showed that Illinois suffered a slight decrease in population, 18,000 people total. This population decrease, while not as drastic as estimates suggested, represents the first time Illinois has lost population in a census count. Governor Pritzker said the population decline must be reversed. Cited reasons for Illinois' population decline includes high property taxes and out-migration of college students.

Illinois will now lose a federal congressional seat. In 2022 the Illinois delegation will consists of 17 members rather than 18. Also, in the presidential Electoral College, Illinois will suffer the loss of one vote. Full apportionment data can be found here.

Modern Healthcare reported on Wednesday CMS proposed eliminating its plan for providers to disclose their contract terms with Medicare Advantage insurers. CMS also plans to increase fee-for-service payments for acute care inpatient hospitals and long-term care hospitals by about $2.5 billion. Inpatient pay rule would give hospitals $2.5 billion boost (modernhealthcare.com)

Modern Healthcare also reported President Biden will call on lawmakers to make the ACA expansion permanent, but won’t endorse action on drug pricing reform. Biden backs ACA expansion in next relief package, but no drug pricing reform (modernhealthcare.com)
 
List of key dates:
May 14 -       Bill deadline
May 31 –      Adjournment
 
Connect with the Chamber
Not a member and want to learn more about the Illinois Chamber?
Click here to contact Lanae Clarke