Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker has signed a Medicaid omnibus bill, HB4343, aimed at enhancing access to health care services and promoting equity within Illinois' health care system. The legislation introduces continuous eligibility for adults enrolled in Medicaid, increases reimbursement rates for prenatal and postpartum care, and expands coverage equity.

"This legislation sends a clear message: in Illinois, healthcare is a right—not a privilege," stated Governor Pritzker. He emphasized the administration's commitment to establishing an equitable healthcare system accessible to all residents of Illinois.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton highlighted the bill's focus on addressing gender-based barriers in healthcare. "By increasing reimbursement rates for critical prenatal and postpartum care, this legislation puts people first and protects their right to quality healthcare services," she said.

Theresa Eagleson, Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, remarked on the bill's significance in improving access and maintaining coverage for existing Medicaid customers while introducing new services. "This legislation takes significant steps to improve access and equity," she noted.

The bill mandates 12 months of continuous eligibility for adults enrolled in Medicaid, allowing them to remain covered despite changes in income or household size. House Majority Leader Greg Harris described this as an important measure to remove barriers between families and necessary health care services.

The legislation also broadens midwifery service coverage under Medicaid by including Certified Professional Midwife services starting January 1, 2023. Rep. Robyn Gabel expressed that this expansion would ensure women have access to skilled care during critical times.

Additionally, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program will now include undocumented immigrant adults aged 42 and above who meet certain criteria. Rep. Delia Ramirez praised this move as another step toward greater health care equity.

Other provisions include coverage for acupuncture pain management, increased resources for spouses of long-term care residents, mental health wellness checks in schools, a Certified Nursing Assistance Internship Program, dental rate increases targeting preventative services, peer support recovery specialists for substance use disorder treatment approval seeking, and incentives to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections through external cephalic version rate increases.

Rep. Theresa Mah commented on the impact of these measures: "Coverage for acupuncture services is going to make a major difference in the quality of life for people who live with chronic pain."