Medicaid

Illinois House votes to raise taxes

By Jonathan Ingram
05/25/2012
The Illinois House just passed SB 2194, which imposes new taxes on tobacco products and hospitals. We’ve previously explained why cigarette taxes can’t fix the structural problems in the Medicaid program. A total of eighteen Republicans signed on to the tax hike, including Mike Bost, Dan Brady, Franco Coladipietro, Jim Durkin, Kent Gaffney, Renée Kosel, David Leitch, Donald Moffitt, Rosemary Mulligan,Chris Nybo, JoAnn Osmond, Robert Pritchard, Dennis Reboletti, Chapin Rose, Jim Sacia, Darlene...

Early implementation of ObamaCare headed to Gov. Quinn’s desk

By Jonathan Ingram
05/25/2012
Last night, we reported on a bill that is headed to the Governor’s desk which would allow the Quinn administration to implement key provisions of ObamaCare in Cook County nearly two years early. This bill was pushed through the legislature with virtual no debate or discussion on the floor. Last year, lawmakers decided — nearly unanimously —...

ObamaCare disaster: Why Cook County waiver fails taxpayers

By Jonathan Ingram
05/24/2012
Lawmakers have been tasked with reducing Medicaid spending by $2.7 billion. Last year, lawmakers came together and decided – almost unanimously – that until the state could actually operate the program in a way that served the needs of the most vulnerable, it shouldn’t expand eligibility to overload the system. But earlier this year, Gov....

Medicaid reform bill fails to deliver

05/22/2012
House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2840 fails to live up to the promises made to taxpayers. While this bill is an improvement over earlier drafts, there is still cause for alarm.

Medicaid 59: A detailed list of reforms

By Jonathan Ingram
05/21/2012
In February, Gov. Quinn told lawmakers that the rendezvous with reality had arrived. He informed them that they must “reduce expenditures” in the Medicaid program by $2.7 billion this year. Soon thereafter, lawmakers in the House committed to reducing “the accrual of Medicaid obligations” by $2.7 billion. The following proposal meets this goal without steep...

Where is the leadership​?

05/18/2012
Every now and then you find out whether leaders and legislators are truly for reform or whether they simply use the concept to advance electoral imperatives. The upcoming votes on Medicaid, pensions and the state budget will be illuminating. Things are moving quickly in Springfield, and the most urgent issue on deck is Medicaid. Leadership...