Sign in Subscribe
Children

Illinois' All Kids Program: A Complex Plan for Uninsured Children

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thousands of uninsured children in Illinois have recently gained access to health coverage under the state's new "All Kids" program, but the plan's rollout has been marred by confusion and criticism. Governor Rod Blagojevich's administration has been at odds with healthcare providers and lawmakers over the plan's implementation, with many doctors still awaiting crucial information on billing, referrals, and enrollment. The program aims to reach over 253,000 uninsured children, with nearly half of them already eligible for existing programs but not enrolled.

Key Takeaways:

  • The All Kids program has enrolled 43,000 previously uninsured children, with many of their benefits starting July 1.
  • The state has 30,000 doctors enrolled to treat children under the program, but many doctors haven't been informed of this or told to participate.
  • Doctors are not required to take on All Kids patients, which is crucial given the state's poor track record of paying doctors on time for treating state aid patients.
  • The state has sped up payments and medical providers now wait, on average, 77 days to get paid, but concerns remain that All Kids doctors may not get fast payments.
  • The Illinois Department of Health Care and Human Services plans to spend $3.1 million marketing state aid programs, including All Kids.
  • Doctors will use the same systems already in place for other programs to handle All Kids billing and referrals.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 253,000 uninsured children in Illinois are eligible for the All Kids program.
  • Nearly half of these children are already eligible for existing programs but not enrolled.
  • The All Kids program has a $45 million budget for the first year, with the state hoping to sign up 50,000 children.
  • Doctors in Illinois currently care for over 1.1 million government aid patients and can handle treating an additional 50,000 children under the All Kids program.
  • The average wait time for state medical providers to get paid is 77 days, with a 30-day payment promise for All Kids patients.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services
  • Illinois Department of Health Care and Human Services
  • Illinois State Medical Society
  • Governor Rod Blagojevich's administration
  • National Academy of Pediatrics

Read more