Gov. Rauner Plans for Illinois Unpaid Bills
By Rick Meeske, Senior, Advisory Services
Gov. Bruce Rauner announced plans to help pay off some of Illinois’ $14 Billion in unpaid bills, by selling off bonds. As part of the recently passed State budget, the State has the authority to issue up to $6 Billion in general obligation bonds to be used by year end. The money must be used to pay off bills from the prior two years, years where there was no budget passed by Illinois legislature.
While it is not certain how much of the $6 Billion will be paid to Medicaid, it is assumed that with Medicaid and state employee health groups, being the highest outstanding debt, roughly $8 Billion of the total $14 Billion due, providers should be getting some financial relief in the near future.
The U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois has also ruled that the Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) must determine eligibility on pending Medicaid cases in a much timelier manner going forward. A deadline of October 16, 2017 has been set for DHFS to have an update for any application that has been pending for more than 90 days.
As more information becomes available, we will keep you updated. If you have any questions, please contact your Marcum advisor at 847-282-6300.
