HR0179 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0179 LRB099 09376 MST 29582 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Medicaid coverage provides access for many to necessary health services, which results in improved health and financial security; coverage lowers infant, child, and adult mortality rates and increases the use of critical preventive service, such as prenatal care; coverage also virtually eliminates catastrophic out-of-pocket medical expenditures, providing much-needed financial security and peace of mind; and

WHEREAS, Medicaid is a considerable economic boost to the Illinois economy; the State stands to lose 9,280 jobs for every 5% reduction to the Medicaid program; and

WHEREAS, The expansion of Medicaid increased economic activity by $2.6 billion in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is in a unique transitional phase in its health care delivery system; the State is in the first year of a massive implementation of statewide Medicaid managed care for more than 50% of the Medicaid population; in addition, Illinois has elected to experiment with different models of coordinated care intended to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Managed Care Organizations and less traditional Accountable Care Entities (hospital-led ACO models) and Coordinated Care Entities (health home models led by community based providers targeted to the special needs population); reductions in Medicaid can result in disruption of these systemic changes; and

WHEREAS, Comprehensive health care provided through Medicaid reduces the incidence of depression, ensures that more women are able to receive important preventive services, such as cancer screenings, and decreases mortality rates; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has already undertaken significant reductions to the Medicaid program; through the "Save Medicaid Access and Resources Together Act" (SMART Act) nearly $1 billion in 62 spending reductions, utilization controls, and provider cuts were made; and

WHEREAS, Numerous organizations, public health entities, and impacted citizens are dependent on the Illinois Medicaid program; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we pledge that no further reductions will be made in the Illinois Medicaid program and encourage Illinois residents to support this vital program.