July 23, 2010

To the Honorable Members of the Illinois Senate,

96^th General Assembly:

            In accordance with Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 2635.

According to a June report submitted to the United States Congress by the bipartisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the growth of self-referral for ancillary services in physicians’ offices amplifies incentives to increase volume.  Under fee-for service reimbursement plans, this increases the overall cost of health care for patients. In short, citizens will pay more for health care services.  

As Governor, I am committed to protecting affordable and accessible health care for the people of Illinois. The bill before me today does not go far enough to protect patient choice, restrict fee-splitting practices, and limit self-referrals within the health care industry. Senate Bill 2635 also incents medical professionals to increase the volume of services provided. There is broad consensus among health policy analysts and economists that in order to restrain the explosion in our nation’s healthcare expenditures, we must eliminate incentives which drive volume of services. I cannot approve a measure that promises to raise health care costs in Illinois.

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2635, entitled “AN ACT concerning professional regulation.” vetoed in its entirety with this statement of objections.

Sincerely,

Pat Quinn

Governor