July 30, 2010

Governor Signs HB5765: Critical Access Hospital Initiative

We are pleased to report that Governor Pat Quinn last night signed House Bill 5765 (P.A. 096-1382) - our Critical Access Hospitals initiative - into law. The legislation requires that Illinois' 51 Critical Access Hospitals be reimbursed for Medicaid outpatient services based on cost. HB5765 overwhelmingly passed both chambers of the General Assembly (114-0 in the House and 50-2 in the Senate), thanks to intense advocacy by IHA and the hospital community. We greatly appreciate the support and work of members to make this initiative a reality. We are continuing to work with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to identify funding essential to the support of this initiative. Those discussions have been positive and are going well.