In 2022, Medicare-eligible state retirees were summarily informed that Aetna insurance would be the only Medicare option available to them. Moreover the change was effective immediately. This forced many people to switch healthcare providers at a moment's notice when they learned their provider did not accept Aetna. In the rural parts of the state where there is a shortage of healthcare providers, this led to gaps in services for many enrollees while they looked for new providers that would take the insurance. It was of particular of concern to those who learned that Carle Hospital of Urbana did not accept Aetna at the time. Carle has since negotiated a contract with the insurance provider.
“Families in east-central Illinois do not have many hospitals or medical facilities to receive care at,” explained Schweizer. “It is imperative that legislation is brought forward and passed through both the House and Senate and then signed by the Governor to ensure the situation from 2022 does not happen again.”
House Bill 4972 requires the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the state agency tasked with handling health insurance and benefits for the state’s employees and retirees, to notify enrollees of the Teachers Retirement System at least 60 days in advance of changes made to their benefits. This would provide enrollees adequate time to find other healthcare options if necessary and allow healthcare systems enough time to negotiate with any new insurance carriers.
“This bill helps to minimize future worry when changes are made to TRS recipients’ benefits," said Schweizer. "I thank my colleagues for seeing the need for this bill and allowing it to advance in the House.”
House Bill 4972 will be voted upon by the House of Representatives later this spring. If passed, the legislation will head to the Senate for a hearing.