HR0999 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0999 LRB097 21276 KTG 68968 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Governor Pat Quinn has proposed reductions in the amount of benefits or services provided under the medical assistance (Medicaid) program under the Illinois Public Aid Code; and

WHEREAS, The Governor's proposal will amount to a $2 billion cut in projected spending under the Medicaid program, or about 18% of the current Medicaid budget; and

WHEREAS, According to a recent report, Medicaid is the primary payer of care for more than 60% of Illinois nursing home residents, or about 47,000 elderly or disabled Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS, The Governor's proposed cuts will mean that many current Medicaid recipients will not be able to obtain needed medications or important healthcare services; and

WHEREAS, This inability to obtain needed medications or important healthcare services will likely lead to more severe medical problems, or even death, for the affected individuals, thus possibly resulting in even higher costs to the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that before the House of Representatives votes on third reading on any bill that will reduce the amount of benefits or services provided under the medical assistance (Medicaid) program under the Illinois Public Aid Code as proposed by the Governor, the Governor shall file with the Clerk of the House of Representatives a report that analyzes the impact of the proposed reductions according to the race, gender, and age of affected Medicaid recipients and the impact on hospitals and on healthcare providers and that explains the expected long-term impact and short-term benefits of the proposed reductions and how the proposed reductions could impact employment in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall make the Governor's report available to each member of the House of Representatives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this Resolution be delivered to Governor Pat Quinn.