SR0483 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0483 LRB096 15270 KTG 30360 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has a government deficit in the billions and the Illinois General Assembly and Governor do not appear likely to resolve the problem until at least the spring of 2010; and

WHEREAS, There are numerous retired State employees who have faithfully served in State government and carefully planned their retirement based on numerous personal financial projections including the cost coverage of health care insurance; and

WHEREAS, These retirees were promised their healthcare costs would not increase, and they were not fully informed about the loopholes such as higher co-payments, changes in approved drugs, and new premiums; and

WHEREAS, It is unfair to unilaterally and retroactively change the healthcare terms after an individual has retired; and

WHEREAS, Many State retirees are being told by some medical providers that due to delays in payment of medical claims by the State of Illinois, all medical examinations and procedures must now be paid in advance; and

WHEREAS, Such unexpected increases in health costs create a financial hardship on retirees who are on a limited income; and

WHEREAS, Some of these retirees choose to postpone or neglect medical assistance altogether because they cannot pay prior to treatment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we request the patience and the understanding of these medical providers to reconsider their "pay in advance" policy for State retirees who are innocent victims of the State's current financial crisis.