Pritzker Signs Health Care Bill GOP Claims Will Cost Billions Per Year
Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) says the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined “systemic economic, educational, and health disparities,” which will be addressed by new health care legislation signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker Tuesday.
Governor JB Pritzker signed a health care equity bill into law Tuesday, while dismissing Republican concerns about cost of the legislation.
The health care equity bill was the fourth “pillar” of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda advanced beginning in January. The Governor’s office says the law establishes new programs, increases oversight and trainings, builds a Community Health Worker certification and training program and improves transparency.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the systemic economic, educational and health disparities that have historically plagued African Americans across our country. For centuries, Black people have been disrespected, abused and misused in the name of health care, starting with the abuse of the enslaved,” said Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “To prevent future harm to one of our most vulnerable populations, we have enacted this informed policy, with the goal of deep, intense reform.”
Republicans claimed during debate of the bill that costs could reach as high as $15 billion. The House sponsor, Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago), even suggested using one-time federal bailout money to pay for the ongoing program.
“There is significant cost to this program when, or if, it is fully implemented,” said Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford), who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Health Committee. “One part of the legislation creates a new class of workers, Community Health Workers, and the [state] estimated costs of this alone at over $1 billion. There are new mandates on local providers and employers. While there are some positive aspects to the legislation, the costs, if implemented, will be unaffordable.”
Pritzker dismissed Republican concerns.
“That’s inaccurate and, of course, they’re exaggerating as they always do about this,” he said. “We’re gonna work very hard to try to implement the provisions of this law. It will take us some time and effort, I’ll be working together with the legislators to make sure that happens.”
But Eleni Demertzis, a spokesperson for House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), says Democrats aren’t paying attention to the costs of their priorities.
“Today, the governor signed a bill that will cost billions of dollars of fantasy money we just don't have,” she wrote in a statement.
Neither Pritzker’s office, Sen. Hunter, or House or Senate Democrat spokespersons would reveal an estimated cost of the bill.
But Black Caucus members, like Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) say health care access is the more important.
“The Healthcare pillar for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is about equity and access to quality healthcare,” said Greenwood. “The importance of implicit bias training for hospital staff and perinatal doula services and evidence-based home visiting services to be covered under the medical assistance program for persons who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance will be critical to all Illinoisans. We have more work to do to address black maternal mortality which is a health crisis in our state, but this is another step in the right direction,”