NEWS RELEASE: Frerichs: State Health Insurance Issues Far From Over

Senator Frerichs bill to block changes to the State's group health insurance plans was defeated today, but the fight is far from over. The State Senate failed to override the governor's veto of SB 178, but lawsuits surrounding the issue are still moving forward and current health plans remain in effect through June 2012. To read the news release, click "Read More."

NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator Michael Frerichs

52nd Legislative District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 26, 2011          

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 217/782.0279

FRERICHS: STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUE FAR FROM OVER

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Since the governor’s office abruptly announced drastic changes to the State’s group health insurance plans in April, State Senator Michael Frerichs (D – Champaign) has led an effort to ensure the continuity of quality, affordable health care for thousands of downstate public employees. Today, one of those efforts was unfortunately brought to an end when the State Senate failed to override the governor’s veto of SB 178, Frerichs’ legislation that would have blocked these changes.

“It’s clear to me that the governor’s office has been very busy pulling support from my bill,” said Frerichs. “I’m disappointed my colleagues failed to see the value of building an extra check and balance against the executive branch, but I know this issue is far from over.”

The issue of the State’s group health insurance plans is currently being litigated in several lawsuits. Additionally, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CoGFA) approved emergency contracts with existing health providers through the end of the current fiscal year, or through June 2012. Senator Frerichs is a member of CoGFA.

“Until the courts resolve this issue, I’m glad that we on CoGFA were able to give thousands of folks in downstate Illinois some certainty, at least temporarily,” said Frerichs. “Now we wait and see what the courts decide.”

Frerichs’ SB 178 would have continued current health insurance contracts for an additional two years while health insurance contracts were re-bid and the procurement process re-opened. Without CoGFA’s consent, proposed contracts could not advance unless approved by a joint resolution of the General Assembly, and lastly, the measure would have also shifted the responsibility of health care purchasing away from HFS and back to the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the office which previously handled this type of procurement.

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