(215 ILCS 170/35)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on October 1, 2024)

Sec. 35. Health care benefits for children.

(a) The Department shall purchase or provide health care benefits for eligible children that are identical to the benefits provided for children under the Illinois Children's Health Insurance Program Act, except for non-emergency transportation.

(b) As an alternative to the benefits set forth in subsection (a), and when cost-effective, the Department may offer families subsidies toward the cost of privately sponsored health insurance, including employer-sponsored health insurance.

(c) Notwithstanding clause (i) of subdivision (a)(3) of Section 20, the Department may consider offering, as an alternative to the benefits set forth in subsection (a), partial coverage to children who are enrolled in a high-deductible private health insurance plan.

(d) Notwithstanding clause (i) of subdivision (a)(3) of Section 20, the Department may consider offering, as an alternative to the benefits set forth in subsection (a), a limited package of benefits to children in families who have private or employer-sponsored health insurance that does not cover certain benefits such as dental or vision benefits.

(e) The content and availability of benefits described in subsections (b), (c), and (d), and the terms of eligibility for those benefits, shall be at the Department's discretion and the Department's determination of efficacy and cost-effectiveness as a means of promoting retention of private or employer-sponsored health insurance.

(f) On and after July 1, 2012, the Department shall reduce any rate of reimbursement for services or other payments or alter any methodologies authorized by this Act or the Illinois Public Aid Code to reduce any rate of reimbursement for services or other payments in accordance with Section 5-5e of the Illinois Public Aid Code.

(Source: P.A. 97-689, eff. 6-14-12.)