|
Governor Pritzker Said On The Campaign Trail: “I’m In Favor Of Fair Maps.”
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] We can’t have fair maps if those maps aren’t drawn using the full set of detailed Census data. But, due to census delays, Illinois politicians are planning to use outdated, estimated numbers to draw election maps that will last for a decade. We know those estimates missed tens of thousands of us. We need the next set of election district maps to fully reflect our communities, and the only way that can happen is if those maps are drawn with current, complete Census data to give all our communities accurate and fair representation. Call Governor Pritzker’s office today to ask that he push lawmakers to seek court permission to delay the process so that the next set of election maps are drawn with COMPLETE Census data, NOT old estimates. Find your lawmakers contact information to ask for them to seek a delay here: https://www.changeil.org/legislator-map/
Comments Off |
|
Springfield: Restricting PBM Tools Will Raise Costs for Consumers, Employers + the State
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Employers in Illinois provide prescription drug coverage for nearly 6.7 million Illinoisans. In order to help keep care more affordable, employers work with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who deploy a variety of tools to reduce prescription drug costs and help improve health outcomes. In addition to helping employers, PBMs also work with the Illinois Medicaid program in the same way to help control costs. Over the last five years, PBMs have saved the state and taxpayers nearly $340 million. Today, Illinois faces a multibillion budget shortfall as more Illinoisans are relying on Medicaid to help meet their health care coverage needs. As legislators work to address these challenges, one way to help ensure continued cost savings is by strengthening the PBM tools that the State and employers use, which are poised to save employers, consumers and the State $39 billion over the next 10 years. These are meaningful savings that will help continue to contain costs, ensure consumer access to medicines and drive savings in public health programs. Amid a pandemic and economic challenges, now is the time to strengthen, not limit, the tools that employers, consumers and the State rely on to manage costs and ensure consumers can access the medicines they need.
Comments Off |
|
From Children to Seniors, Telehealth Reaches Every Demographic: Pass HB 3498 In The Senate
Monday, May 24, 2021 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Telehealth use has increased among children to seniors, with every demographic quickly growing accustomed to virtual care as a result of COVID-19. Over one in four Medicare beneficiaries had a telehealth visit between the summer and fall of 2020. Similarly, one in five children had a telehealth visit during the pandemic. The Coalition to Protect Telehealth advocates for patient-centered virtual care that’s high-quality, accessible and safe. The Coalition urges Illinois senators to vote “YES” on House Bill 3498 to preserve access to telehealth. Coverage of telehealth services by traditional Medicare expanded during the pandemic, with 64% (33.6 million) of beneficiaries saying their providers offered telehealth during the pandemic vs. 18% pre-pandemic. Medicare beneficiaries more likely to utilize telehealth were:
• Black and Hispanic beneficiaries; • Those enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid; and • Beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions. Among children’s virtual visits, one in three parents chose telehealth primarily for its convenience. Parents said they preferred telehealth for minor illnesses and mental health, and 90% who used telehealth for the first time were satisfied with the visit. Passing HB 3498 will ensure Illinoisans continue to have access to innovative telehealth services after the pandemic. Learn more at https://protectillinoistelehealth.org/.
Comments Off |
|
Path To 100 Act Saves Consumers $1.2 Billion
Friday, May 21, 2021 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Lower Energy Costs for All Illinois Consumers • A study by former Illinois Power Agency (IPA) director shows that passing Path to 100 (HB 2640 / SB 1601) will lower energy costs for all ratepayers • Consumers save more than $1.2 Billion over ten years by fully funding Illinois’ renewable energy program to 40% by 2031 • Path to 100 would create 53,000 new construction jobs 1. Wind and solar generators have zero fuel costs, so they win wholesale energy auctions and displace more expensive power plants. These savings are passed on to all consumers. 2. Rooftop and community solar reduce peak demand, which reduces the amount of capacity that grid operators need to buy. These savings are passed on to all consumers. 3. Rooftop and community solar customers receive direct savings on their bills. Read the study and take action at www.Pathto100.net
Comments Off |
|
Pass HB3498: Telehealth Increases Access To Healthcare, Improves Patient Outcomes
Friday, May 21, 2021 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Strong evidence supports the role of telehealth in patient-centered care. That’s according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Reflecting on telehealth during the pandemic, AHRQ researchers identified important benefits of virtual care:
• Promoting continuity of care; • Decreasing healthcare costs; and • Improving patient self-management and patient outcomes. “With a robust telehealth infrastructure in place, patients may receive more timely diagnoses and treatment recommendations, more appropriate follow-up care, and a reduced likelihood of experiencing an adverse event as a result of delayed assessment and treatment,” the authors said. During the pandemic, healthcare professionals throughout Illinois have made sure patients could continue needed healthcare services using telehealth. Passing House Bill 3498 in the Illinois Senate will ensure Illinoisans continue to have access to innovative telehealth services after the pandemic. The pandemic presented a “unique opportunity to implement innovative and creative approaches to patient care [that] will have long-lasting impacts for the future of telehealth,” the AHRQ article notes. As part of delivering safe, high-quality healthcare “telehealth will become a part of standard practice.” The Coalition to Protect Telehealth urges the senators to vote “YES” on HB3498. Learn more at https://protectillinoistelehealth.org/.
Comments Off |
|
Illinois Credit Unions: A Fair Financial Alternative
Friday, May 21, 2021 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] 
Comments Off |
| « NEWER POSTS | PREVIOUS POSTS » |
