Lawmakers signed off on sweeping changes to the insurance industry, boosted support for maternal health, increased provider rates and did more during the recently concluded spring session. [Health News Illinois} 

Below is a roundup of some of the proposals that could have the biggest impact on healthcare in the Land of Lincoln.

BUDGET

Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law this week a roughly $53.1 billion spending plan that includes hundreds of millions of dollars in investments for healthcare initiatives.

That includes $10 million to support a program within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to relieve medical debt for more than 300,000 Illinoisans.

The package includes $182 million pledged by Pritzker earlier this spring to provide healthcare and other services to asylum seekers in the Chicago region.

And it allocates $440 million to two programs that provide Medicaid-like coverage for some undocumented adults. An additional $100 million will be brought in from a federal emergency services match, as well as $50 million from drug rebate payments and $40 million from managed care organization taxes.

Visit Health News Illinois website for for more information. 

We share some of  news report on Maternal Health and Behavioral Health here.

Lawmakers voted to boost pay for a variety of providers through the Medicaid omnibus this year.

MATERNAL HEALTH

Lawmakers followed through on Pritzker’s priority to address maternal health.

Along with funding various initiatives in the budget plan, the General Assembly approved a plan that will task insurers with covering all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. That includes home births and home visits.

Coverage would also expand to home visits by board-certified lactation consultants and recommended products like breast pumps and feeding aids.

Another bill passed this spring would create a task force to design recovery plans for substance-exposed infants. The plans would include medical treatment, recovery services and referrals to community resources for infants and caregivers.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Lawmakers green-lit a bill that would clarify existing law requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to identify leading indicators for when a child is at an elevated behavioral health crisis risk.

The bill would create a workgroup with HFS, Medicaid managed care organizations and other stakeholders to determine what data to use to determine lead indicators. The workgroup would have to make its recommendations for leading indicator data elements by September, with that information to be used to ensure managed care organizations provide services and interventions to help children.

The proposal also tasks the State Board of Education to work with sister agencies and stakeholders to develop a readiness assessment for universal mental health screening of students, including a framework to support districts in a phased approach. The report would be due this fall, with a plan for a phased approach to be ready by next April.

Legislators also passed a bill to create a task force to investigate and develop a plan to help ease administrative burdens on behavioral health providers.

Another approved plan would require any mental health, substance use disorder treatment or developmental disabilities facility to attempt to provide a verbal and written notice of death of a patient to the individual's personal representative, if known.

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The recommendation would lead to the third remake of covid vaccines since 2022, CIDRAP notes, with new shots targeting ever-evolving variants. FDA officials say the timing for this type of decision "remains elusive." Also, a potential treatment is about to begin clinical trials in South Carolina. [KFF]

CIDRAP: FDA Panel Supports Switch To JN.1 For Fall COVID Vaccines Vaccine advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today recommended switching the SARS-CoV-2 strain from the XBB.1.5 variant to JN.1 for fall vaccine formulations. The recommendation marks the third remake for the COVID vaccine since 2022. The measure unanimously passed, 16 to 0. FDA officials, concerned about further evolution of JN.1, also asked the group to discuss the possibility of recommending an offshoot of JN.1, such as KP.2, that may more closely match currently circulating strains. (Schnirring, 6/5)

The New York Times: F.D.A. Advisers Recommend a New Covid Vaccine Formula for the Fall“It’s becoming clear that the ideal timing for a vaccine composition decision remains elusive,” said Jerry Weir, an official with the F.D.A.’s vaccine division. ... Dr. Sarah Meyer, a senior vaccines official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that aiming at JN.1 was more appropriate because it was “further up on the tree” in the evolution of the coronavirus, possibly allowing the vaccines to better cover mutations in the virus later this year. (Weiland and Jewett, 6/5)

Also —

WCSC: Clinical Trials To Begin For COVID-19 Treatment Developed In South CarolinaState lawmakers approved millions of dollars for research on a new COVID-19 treatment that will soon begin clinical trials, with every step of the research and development to take place completely in South Carolina. It’s a new way to treat COVID by inhaling medicine into the lungs to address respiratory inflammation, compared with the already-developed antiviral pill. (Rademaker, 6/5)

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services signed off Tuesday on Illinois’s plan to establish a new behavioral health model in the state’s Medicaid program. [Health News Illinois]

Through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program, HHS will provide "sustainable funding" for facilities that provide comprehensive, around-the-clock behavioral healthcare and substance abuse treatment. Clinics are required to provide care coordination, 24/7 access to crisis services and serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

“(CCBHCs) have significantly improved behavioral health treatment in our country, and today’s announcement will dramatically expand and improve access to equitable, quality care for Americans with serious mental health and substance use treatment needs,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.

Illinois was one of 10 states added to the demonstration program after they established the “necessary state-level infrastructure and worked with providers” to develop their initiatives, according to HHS. Eight states are already part of the program.

Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Lizzy Whitehorn said Tuesday’s announcement will have a “significant impact” on access.

“Behavioral healthcare faces major capacity challenges across the nation," she said in a statement. “This program will expand access in critical ways for people who have struggled in the past to find the services they need.”

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The Department of Public Health said Monday the measles outbreak reported earlier this spring in the northeastern region of Illinois is over. [Health News Illinois]

“I applaud all of the public health, healthcare, emergency management and social service staffers who worked so diligently to cooperate across jurisdictional lines to contain this measles outbreak,” Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement. “Public health is a team sport founded on partnership, and this was no better exemplified than during this recent outbreak.”

No new cases have been reported in the region in 42 days, or two full incubation periods.

A total of 67 cases were reported during the outbreak, with 57 of those cases connected to a shelter for asylum seekers in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Other cases were reported in suburban Cook County, as well as DuPage, Lake and Will counties.

IDPH’s announcement follows a similar one made last week by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

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CHICAGO-The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is hosting its 2024 Annual Leadership Awards and Annual Convening on June 20, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM CT at Maggiano’s- Chicago. This is the Institute’s major fundraiser for the year. All are welcome. More details and to register>

Opening Guest Speaker- Dr. Erik Mikaitis, MD, MBA, FACP, CPE- He was appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Cook County Health in November 2023 by the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Dr. Mikaitis provides executive leadership to advance the health system's strategic imperatives and ensure the provision of high-quality care and services in collaboration with CCH's medical and business leaders.

Keynote Speaker- David T. Jones was named, by Gov. Pritzker, the Associate Secretary at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), where he serves as the statewide Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO). Chief Jones joined IDHS as the Director of the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) in October 2020.  

IOMC is honoring the 2024 Leadership Award Recipients, they are:

IOMC Outstanding Leadership & Compassion Award in Healthcare 

Richard Lieber, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab 

IOMC Global Humanitarian Award

Damiano Rondelli, MD, Michael Reese Professor of Hematology, University of Illinois at Chicago    

                          

IOMC Innovation in Healthcare Delivery - Individual 

Arvind K. Goyal, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAFP, FACPM 

Medical Director, State of Illinois Medicaid, Dept. of Healthcare & Family Services, Clinical Associate Professor, Chicago Medical School 

IOMC Innovation in Healthcare Delivery – Organization 

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

The new class of Fellows will be announced and recognized at the event.

We wish to thank our sponsors for their support: Golden Square, Midwest Business Group on Health, and Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. Our tables sponsors are Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, University of Chicago Medicine,  Cook County Health, and The Portes Foundation.  

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), since 1915, is an independent non-profit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through a range of interdisciplinary approaches, including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement. With the public's health at its core, IOMC is building new programs and services to meet better the needs of its members and the Chicago, Counties and the State of Illinois community. 501c3 non-profit organization. Visit www.iomc.org.  

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If the benefits of exercise could be put into a pill form, it would be one of the most frequently prescribed medications. Regular walks can strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and more.

Take a step toward better health! Cook County Health has started a local chapter of the community walking program, Walk with a Doc, to provide a fun and safe place to take a walk at your own pace, get health tips from CCH providers, and meet new people. The walks are free and all are welcome!

Our inaugural walk will be held during the 4 Men Health Fair on Saturday, June 8, at 10:30 am. Meet in front of Provident Hospital, 500 E 51^st,    Chicago. 

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The top U.S. health official said on Wednesday it would be "tragic" for the world to miss out on key reforms to the global pandemic response and that a treaty deal was within reach, with no major differences between negotiators. [Reuters and KFF]

Health officials are meeting in Geneva this week to try to wrap up more than two years of negotiations on a pandemic treaty and a series of updates to existing International Health Rules (IHR). However, countries have failed to finalise the treaty at this assembly and countries are considering an extension.

More>

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The Illinois General Assembly has passed a pair of health insurance reform bills, which Gov. JB Pritzker has indicated he will sign. [Beckers Payers Issues]

On May 25, the Illinois House passed legislation that will ban prior authorization for admission for inpatient psychiatric services, beginning in 2026. Payers will also be required to publish all services that require prior authorization on their website, and face stricter requirements to maintain an accurate provider network directory. 

The Illinois Department of Insurance will also gain the authority to approve or deny premium rate changes for large group policies, and the legislation bans step therapy requirements under all utilization review programs, including prescription drug plans.

Another passed bill will ban the sale of short-term individual health plans in the state, often called "junk plans." 

The legislation applies only to state-regulated health plans, such as fully funded employer group policies, state employee plans, and the state's Medicaid program.

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The General Assembly approved several major healthcare initiatives over the holiday weekend, including expanding coverage for maternal health services. [Health News Illinois] 

The plan by Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, would task insurers with covering all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. That includes home births and home visits.

Coverage would also expand to home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, as well as recommended products like breast pumps and feeding aids.

The bill would allow policy limits to cover up to $8,000 for home visits by a perinatal doula.

"What's so heartening to me is to see a governor who understands that a safe healthy pregnancy shouldn't be predicated on one's income, background or race," Gabel said. "It is a fundamental right."

An amendment filed Friday would require Medicaid to cover certified professional midwife services, as well as licensed certified professional midwife services, starting next year.

The proposal passed along party lines. Some Republicans were concerned about why abortion services were not tied to copays, but those who have a miscarriage or a successful delivery could be required to have a copay.

Pritzker, who made maternal health a major priority this session, said Saturday he will sign the bill into law.

“(This initiative) will work to close the tragic gap in maternal mortality between Black women and other new parents, and (will ensure) we meet the unique pregnancy, birthing and postpartum needs of women across our state,” he said.

Lawmakers also approved a plan from Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, that would expand the state’s anti-discrimination protections to include those who receive abortion and reproductive healthcare. Under the bill, for example, employers wouldn't be able to end employment for someone seeking in vitro fertilization and housing providers couldn't refuse an apartment rental because a person had an abortion.

And lawmakers approved a bill from Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, that would ensure patients can receive abortion services in a medical emergency. Supporters said it is a vital step as the U.S. Supreme Court is considering a challenge to a federal law that ensures that patients can receive emergency care.

Another approved bill from Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, would require the Department of Public Health to conduct a study examining what demographics are underrepresented in clinical cancer trials.

All proposals head to Pritzker for final approval.

The Senate on Sunday passed a proposal to create a program to provide medical debt relief for up to 300,000 Illinoisans, another of Pritzker’s legislative initiatives.

Qualifying individuals would have to have a household income below 400 percent of the federal poverty level or possess medical debt amounting to at least 5 percent of their household income.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services would be tasked with reviewing and choosing applicants to receive support. An annual report would be released on the program's progress and outcomes.

Sen. Mike Simmons, a Democrat from Chicago and chief sponsor, said the plan would remove an additional barricade that some individuals have to healthcare.

“Too often people ignore their health due to cost — especially those with fixed incomes and tight budgets,” he said. “We have to look out for them and make sure that a bill is never a barrier to healthcare.”

The chamber also passed a plan from Sen. Karina Villa, D-Chicago, that would require hospital affiliates to report suspected abuse of a patient at hospitals and facilities operated by an affiliate, such as doctor’s offices or clinics. Affiliates would also be subject to the same reporting guidelines as hospitals, with the Department of Public Health able to investigate reports of abuse.

Lawmakers also approved a cannabis omnibus from Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, that would, in part, allow medical cannabis patients to get their prescriptions through telehealth. They removed language from the bill allowing patients to purchase medical cannabis from any dispensary in the state.

The three bills passed by the Senate Sunday head to the House for concurrence.

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CDC (5.17.2024) released consolidated, evidence-based guidance for preventing the spread of infections in K-12 schools. The guidance includes everyday actions that schools can take to prevent and control the spread of respiratory and stomach viruses, such as influenza and norovirus, and bacterial illness, such as strep throat. This guidance is designed to maximize school attendance and its benefits for all students, while also preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Being in school provides many benefits, including ongoing learning and social and emotional development. [CDC]

“CDC has updated actions schools can take to prevent germs from spreading and keep kids healthy and learning,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “This update puts lessons learned into actionable steps schools can follow to keep our kids, teachers, and school staff safe.”

This guidance is being released for consideration for the 2024 – 2025 school year. As school administrators are closing out the current school year and planning for the new school year in the fall, CDC is providing the guidance now to ensure it can be part of those back-to-school preparations.

The strategies found in the new guidance are based on research and expertise CDC gained from decades of working to prevent disease transmission in school settings. They include:

• Teach and reinforce proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
• Take steps for cleaner air by improving ventilation in schools. Schools should consider ventilation enhancements and design when undergoing remodeling or when undertaking new building construction to optimize clean air.
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect, when appropriate.
• Promote vaccinations for students and staff.

More> 

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