Illinois has been one of the most aggressive states in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACT). So far, the State of Illinois has pocketed $200 million from the ACA.
The administration of Governor Pat Quinn has implemented multiple changes to Illinois healthcare.
First, children can stay on their parents' health insurance until they turn 26, and they can no longer be denied coverage for preexisting conditions. Second, more than 1,000 residents have received coverage through the state's federally funded high-risk pool, and 120,000 seniors received a $250 check to help cover their prescription drug expenses.
Illinois operates three Medicaid managed care programs that it hopes to integrate into a single care program. The state rolled out the first phase of its integrated care program (ICP) in 2011, enrolling seniors and people with disabilities who did not qualify for Medicaid. Areas of Illinois that piloted the program included Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake and Will Counties.
Phase I focuses on health and behavioral health. Phase II, which started in January 2013, added Aetna and Centene-IlliniCare as ICP partners for Medicaid clients. An ICP includes primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals that provide both behavioral health and social needs for people who use Medicaid.
This year, Illinois will roll out the ICP to four regions, starting with the Rockford region. Then, in the summer, Central Illinois will be added, followed by the Quad Cities region. After adding the Metro East region, the state will incorporate the Chicago area at the beginning of 2014.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has submitted a program to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create a Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) that will coordinate care for eligible residents. Clients can opt out of the MMAI and enroll in a managed care program, and they can opt out during Medicare enrollment in October.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Innovation Center awarded a State Innovation Model Grant to Illinois in late February. The goal is to reduce disparities and to expand coverage throughout the state.
Edited by
Brooke Neuman
