A five-year plan to change a few key parts of the state’s healthcare system was released today.
The plan, which requires federal approval, is supposed to reduce costs and improve health of Illinois residents. Specifically, “The Path to Transformation” proposal would allow the state to obtain $5.2 billion in federal funds over five years, the state said.
However, some medical groups have noted that the information has been vague about just how that would be accomplished.
What the state has said is that the proposal would build on an initiative to allow people with disabilities and mental health challenges to receive the care they need in their own homes and communities instead of institutions.
It would also allow the state to consolidate nine separate existing programs that serve populations with special needs and are run by various state agencies.
More information about the proposal — known as a federal 1115 Waiver demonstration project — can be found here. Modern Healthcare also provides a good synopsis.
Public hearing will be held on the plan where you can weigh in. The first one is this Friday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the auditorium of Michael J. Howlett Building, 501 South Second Street in Springfield. The next will be in Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the auditorium at James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street.
