HR1000 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1000 LRB095 15458 DRJ 41450 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Many Illinoisans are without access to health care because they are not eligible for existing public programs or are not covered by insurance; Illinois needs to develop creative new ways to help residents gain access to health care; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can approve a waiver of federal law and regulations under the Medicaid program to extend health insurance to low-income parents of children now covered by Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), as well as childless adults; and

WHEREAS, Enrollment in a program under such a waiver can, for example, give participants access to a high-deductible health plan that includes an account patterned on the model of a health savings account; to assist with out-of-pocket costs incurred prior to the coverage threshold, both the individual and the State can make contributions to the account; participant contributions to the account can be set on a sliding scale based on ability to pay, but at no more than, for example, 5% of gross family income; any funds remaining in the account at the end of the year can be rolled-over to offset the following year's contributions if age-appropriate preventive services are obtained; the program might also permit and encourage employers to contribute to their employees' health savings accounts; and

WHEREAS, Under such a waiver, a program might provide for no copay for services except for use of an emergency room for non-emergency treatment; benefits can include physician services, prescription drugs, home health services, in-patient and out-patient hospital services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and preventive services; and

WHEREAS, A program under a waiver could provide access to health care coverage for persons whose incomes do not exceed, for example, 200% of the federal poverty level, or $20,420 for an individual and $41,300 for a family of four; and

WHEREAS, Such a program would provide support for individuals and families with low incomes but also require them to assume some responsibility for the cost of that care; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to seek approval of a Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration project waiver to expand health insurance for low-income persons without delay; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of Healthcare and Family Services.