Illinois announces Medicaid managed care pilot
CHICAGO (AP) — The state of Illinois is planning a pilot project to enroll Medicaid recipients in six counties in managed care, an effort being criticized by advocates for the developmentally disabled.
Illinois' Medicaid agency announced Monday it's seeking proposals from managed care organizations to run the program. It would affect 40,000 adults with disabilities and older adults in DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, Will and suburban Cook counties.
The state expects the program to save taxpayers nearly $200 million in its first five years.
Advocates for the developmentally disabled are concerned the effort to save money may lead to rationing of health care.
Tony Paulauski is executive director of the Arc of Illinois, a group advocating for the developmentally disabled. He says managed care organizations have little experience with developmental disabilities.
