Besides sweeping in a new MCO lineup, this phase brings further changes to how Medicaid is set up.  All current programs are being rolled into one, eliminating the multiple acronyms that separated populations such as dual eligibles being served by one set of plans, adults with disability by a different one, and Medicaid expansion in yet another. The redrawn regions will now be 

As you may know, Illinois has been seeking approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for an 1115 waiver to better integrate the state's behavioral and physical health systems.

At the August 17 Medicaid Advisory Committee meeting, Felicia Norwood, director of the state Department of Healthcare and Family Services, reported that the state is first working to obtain CMS approval for an Integrated Health Homes model of care, which will most directly impact those in Medicaid managed care. The intent of the IHH is to broaden care coordination to include providers, hospitals, and social service organizations; under IHH, managed care plans will be expected to use this IHH model to ensure that a person's medical, behavioral, and social needs are being met in a more comprehensive manner.

HFS hopes to secure IHH approval by September 1, and then move forward with the 1115 waiver. Public hearings on the 1115 waiver are set for September:

• Springfield - Thurs, Sept 8, 10:30 am - 1 pm. Howlett Auditorium 501 S 2nd St
• Chicago - Fri, Sept 9, 10:30 am - 1 pm. Assembly Hall Auditorium 100 W Randolph St

Disability Integration Act - Recent moves to eliminate the ACA also would have impacted funding for moving people with disabilities from institutions to community settings. Despite the temporary pause in ACA repeal efforts, advocates are continuing to support bills that strengthen people's right to stay in the community. The Disability Integration Act of 2017 would apply to state and local governments that provide institutional placements for individuals with disabilities who need long-term assistance with daily living activities or health-related tasks, and to insurance providers that fund such long-term services. It would prohibit them from denying community-based services that would enable such individuals to lead an independent life.

Personal Needs Allowance - Illinois SB1353 passed the both houses this summer and awaits the Governor's signature. The landmark measure raises the personal needs allowance for the first time since 1987. Residents in community integrated living arrangements (CILA) and intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD) have been limited to retaining only $30 and $50 a month, respectively,  from their public benefits checks, for personal purchases; the bill raises both PNAs to $60. (Although this change was made administratively as part of the budget process, the bill would codify it as law.) ONE Northside has been leading the effort, and continues to push to get the bill signed. You can support these efforts by contacting Governor Rauner's office.

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"You can't just look at premium rates," says our CEO @BarbAOtto about IL's proposed public option plan http://bit.ly/2w7QKPt in Crain's Chicago Business

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Medicaid helps people with disabilities stay in the community rather than institutional care. Read our 1-pager: http://bit.ly/2w2sD4J

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The CBO report says that ending #ACA subsidies would increase premiums by 20% by 2018 https://t.co/8zfNPmwsKW

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Does the health care debate mean a new life for Medicaid? http://bit.ly/2i37ODl