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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will have been in office just over four months when he addresses attendees at IMCHC’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chicago. A handful of tickets are still available for the event where you can hear about the Governor’s plans and priorities for women and children’s health, state government reforms and how he plans to help Illinois residents who have been affected by the economic downturn. The annual meeting will also be an opportunity to honor 2009 Loretta Lacey Health Advocacy Award winners, who include Bechara Choucair, Heartland International Health Center; Margaret Davis, Healthcare Consortium of Illinois; and Jenifer Cartland, Children’s Memorial Hospital. Contact Lilah Handler at 312-491-8161 or visit IMCHC’s website to reserve your tickets online.
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At the end of April, former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was confirmed as the Secretary for the US Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; the Food and Drug Administration; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to name a few. Secretary Sebelius will be responsible for overseeing much of the health care reform efforts to be undertaken by Congress in upcoming months. Congress also passed a $3.56 trillion FY2010 budget resolution in late April that will give legislators the flexibility to consider taxes, appropriations and entitlement programs later this year. The resolution included much of what was presented in President Obama’s budget that was introduced earlier in the calendar year and will allow for bills to pass with a simple majority or 51 votes in the Senate and prevent Senate filibusters. The Senate committee plans to consider a comprehensive health care reform bill in June and both chambers aim to vote on something before the August recess. Some highlights from the FY2010 federal budget include:
However, advocates are disappointed by the continued underfunding of Title X family planning programs that provide contraceptive care and other preventative health services to women, as well as continues to restrict public funds for abortion services (via the Hyde Amendment) that includes Medicaid, Peace Corps volunteers and federal employees’ health care plans. Thanks to the National Women’s Law Center for providing analysis of the FY2010 federal budget. For additional details, visit the White House’s budget website.
With less than a week left in the Spring 2009 legislation session, general assembly members are still debating revenue options and potential cuts to the FY2010 state budget, which is estimated to have upwards of a $14 billion deficit. Most recently, legislative leaders have presented several “doomsday” budgets that would dramatically slash human services, health care, education and state support to local municipalities. IMCHC has joined forces with numerous community-based agencies and advocacy groups to persuade legislators to support sustainable revenue reform that includes the following principles:
With just days left in the regular session, it is more important than ever to inform your state senator and representative that you support these reforms. Take action TODAY through IMCHC’s e-advocacy center. State – Legislative Updates The Illinois General Assembly’s spring session is scheduled to end on May 31st, provided that a state budget is passed and sent to the Governor for approval. Legislation of interest to IMCHC members and supporters that have passed out of both houses include: SB2043, Medicaid Low-Birthweight Study, creates a pilot program for pregnant women in Medicaid to participate in disease management. Amendment 1 would mandate the sharing of maternal and child health data between various state departments. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate. Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Harry Osterman are the Chief Sponsors. This bill now goes back to the Senate for concurrence vote on a House amendment. HB745, Public Aid Application Rights, would allow for TANF, food stamp and Medicaid applicants to apply for and maintain their benefits at the office of their choice. Currently, these clients are required to maintain open cases at the office that serves their home address. Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and Sen. Jacqueline Collins were the Chief Sponsors. HB2383, TANF Access Bill, takes advantage of the 80% federal match offered to states through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to increase eligibility limits for cash assistance from 34% to 50% of the Federal Poverty Level, as well as increases the income disregards and expands the definition of crisis assistance to include victims of sexual violence. Rep. Will Burns and Sen. Kwame Raoul were the Chief Sponsors. SB212, Expedited Partner Therapy, would allow doctors to treat the partners of individuals diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without a physical examination of the partner or partners, if in the judgment of the health care professional, the partner is unlikely or unable to present for comprehensive health care. Sen. Dave Koehler and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz are the Chief Sponsors. This bill now goes back to the Senate for concurrence vote on a House amendment. SB1393, Grants for Dental Clinics, subject to funding availability, this bill would allow HFS to make grants to local health departments and other entities, with special priority given to those areas that have been identified as being medically underserved areas or areas with provider shortages. Sen. James Clayborne and Rep. Daniel Reitz were the Chief Sponsors. SB1770, Amendment of Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), amends original VESSA to allow for more employees to be covered by the statue through reducing the threshold of employees from 50 to 15 persons, updates current law to incorporate recent legislation and provides greater clarity to certain provisions. Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Greg Harris are the Chief Sponsors; the bill goes back to the Senate for concurrence on two House amendments.
The meeting/luncheon will be held at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark Street in Chicago from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will also honor the winners of the Loretta Lacey Health Advocacy Award, who include Dr. Bechara Choucair, Heartland International Health Center; Margaret Davis, Healthcare Consortium of Illinois; and Jenifer Cartland, Children’s Memorial Hospital. Only a handful of tickets are left, so contact Lilah Handler at 312-491-8161 or visit IMCHC’s website to reserve your seat today!
Registration is now open for the 2009 Health Care Programs and Health Care Reform Training Tour. This event is a great opportunity to learn more about All Kids and other Illinois insurance programs including Family Care, Moms & Babies, Illinois Healthy Women, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, as well as get the latest updates around state and federal health care reform efforts through our involvement with the Health Care Justice Campaign. Dates and locations include: June 3rd from 9am-12pm in Waukegan There is no cost to attend the trainings, but we ask that you register in advance. Register online on IMCHC’s website. You may also email Sara Howard or call her at 312-491-8161x34 for more information.
In addition to being a fun night, this will also be an opportunity for young professionals interested in getting involved with IMCHC’s Junior Board to learn more about volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. Contact Lilah Handler at 312-491-8161 for more information or visit IMCHC’s website to reserve your spot today.
Host a showing by inviting your family, friends and colleagues to view the first 56 minute segment and preview the remaining portions. If you are interested in a facilitated viewing, email Rebecca Holbrook or phone her at 312-491-8161 x 23.
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Urge your legislators to protect children and support an adequate budget! With less than a week left before the regular general assembly session is scheduled to end, legislators are still debating the FY2010 state budget and fair tax reform. As the 2009 budget deficit is estimated to be as high as $14 billion dollars, we need new funds in the state budget. Without new and sustainable funding, Illinois' families, children and pregnant women are at risk of being denied child care services, after-school programs and health care. Urge your legislators today to support fair tax reform that includes:
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The Illinois Public Health Association, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, announces a new outreach initiative – Illinois HIV Care Connect – which increases awareness about a statewide network of services for HIV positive individuals. An integral part of the campaign includes a website – www.hivcareconnect.com – which links visitors to a statewide network of services for HIV positive individuals. A confidential referral to one of the eight regional HIV Care Connect offices will help HIV positive individuals find the services they need to achieve optimal health and self–sufficiency. People living with HIV who enroll in Illinois HIV Care Connect may receive case management services and may qualify for other services such as medical care, mental health care, oral health care, substance abuse counseling and other support services. Other components of the campaign include the dissemination of print materials on a broad-based scale – visit the Communication Toolkit section of the website to learn more about what’s available. In addition, IPHA staff will be conducting intensive outreach efforts in three areas of the State – the Winnebago region, city of Joliet and St. Clair County. Stay tuned to learn more about outreach activities in an upcoming issue of ViewPoint Online! Click here for the official press release and visit the website today to learn more about this important and exciting project! And, feel free to contact the Project Coordinator, Teal Featherston-Wilkinson at tfwilkinson@ipha.com.
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MA Stakeholders See No Increased Health Insurance Costs from 2006 Law Although overall statewide spending on health care coverage increased, the majority of this is attributable to health care inflation unrelated to the law and new enrollment into existing programs. Source: Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report – April 8, 2009
Recent Article Reviews Increase in Non-Medically Necessary C-Sections In fact, c-sections are major abdominal surgery and can lead to complications from anesthesia and longer hospitals stays and recovery time compared to vaginal births. Additionally, many hospitals restrict vaginal births after caesareans, or VBACs, which restricts subsequent vaginal births for numerous women. The LA Times published an article in mid-May that examined how c-sections have become the most commonly performed operation in the US, despite that fact that uncomplicated c-sections can cost twice as much as uncomplicated vaginal births. In an effort to address the issue of high c-section rates, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Strategic Partners program trains hospitals to enforce a set of guidelines, such as the careful use of oxytocin and a ban on elective deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation. The program was established four years ago, and since then, 60 hospitals have signed up to participate.
State and Federal Legislators Consider Protecting Women from Discriminatory Insurance Practices Insurance companies maintain that the practice, known as gender rating, is justified because younger women typically seek health care services more frequently than men. According to a report by the National Women's Law Center, women can pay up to 20% more than men for the same individual coverage. Federal law already prohibits employers that offer health plans from charging different rates based on gender, and ten states have similar laws that apply to individual plans. However, 40 states, including Illinois, currently allow this practice. On the federal level, health insurers have said that they would be willing to stop gender rating if the government agrees NOT to establish a public insurance plan. In November 2008, insurers said they would accept all applicants, regardless of illness or disability, if Congress mandates coverage for all U.S. residents. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts has already introduced S. 969 that would prohibit insurers from considering gender when setting premium rates. Source: National Partnership for Women and Families Daily Women’s Health Policy Report – May 6, May 18, 2009
Study Finds Breastfeeding Can Lead to Better Health for Mothers Breastfeeding has always been linked to better outcomes for children, but a new report finds that women can also see significant health benefits as a result of breastfeeding, including a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases during menopause. The study also finds women who have breastfed to have lower rates of developing osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes. Source: National Partnership for Women and Families Daily Women’s Health Policy Report – April 23, 2009
Summary of Congressional Discussions on Comprehensive Health Care Reform Members of the Senate Finance Committee, a major player in Congressional health reform talks, met in mid-May to discuss potential funding mechanisms for health reform legislation including taxes on drinks that contain sugar and/or alcohol and limits on the tax-exempt status of employer-provided health insurance. Chairman Max Baucus, Democratic Senator from Montana, indicated that there is a 75% - 80% chance that his panel will successfully create a bipartisan bill. Additionally, Sen. Baucus also mentioned that Congress’ health care reform plan will likely include some form of a public insurance option, but will only cover 94% - 95% of the population, which does not include undocumented immigrants, which Baucus says is too “politically explosive.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, Democrat from Ohio, and 27 Senate co-sponsors introduced a resolution that calls for a public health insurance option in any health care reform legislation. Source: Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report – May 21, 22, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||
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IMCHC’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon | |||||||||||||||||
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IMCHC 21st Annual Benefit Thursday, September 10th Carnivale in Chicago’s West Loop Sponsorship opportunities now available – contact Lilah Handler for more information. IMCHC’s Chicago Area Chapter Meeting Wednesday, September 16th 1pm-3pm Metropolitan Family Services 1 N. Dearborn, 10th Floor in Chicago. IMCHC Southern Illinois Chapter Meeting IMCHC Southern Illinois Chapter Meeting IMCHC’s Chicago Area Chapter Meeting
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Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition
1256 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
312-491-8161 (voice)
312-491-8171 (fax)