Rep. David McSweeney, R-Ill., and Rep. Gregory Harris, D-Ill. proposed new legislation having the potential to end cuts in payments to medical equipment providers and supplies for Medicaid patients in Illinois, the Herald & Review reported.
Here are the key facts:
1. The bill, named House Bill 5930, addresses concerns stemming from the 10 to 50 percent cuts to reimbursements given to medical supply companies. The cuts could potentially put suppliers out of business and lead to monopolies Mr. McSweeney said.
2. The bill would require minimum quality standards for medical supplies and equipment and would prohibit managed-care organizations from signing sole-source contracts with medical good providers.
3. Mr. McSweeney said the quality standards would ensure patients would be well-served by companies by companies accepting low payments from IlliniCare Health, one of Illinois' contracted Medicaid managed-care companies.
4. He also said he wants to make sure smaller providers aren't pushed out of the Medicaid provider market.