HR0859 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0859 LRB097 20492 KTG 66043 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are many inefficiencies in the healthcare industry within the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, It is important to identify possible efficiencies that can produce savings to the State in the area of healthcare; and

WHEREAS, In regards to the costs of the uninsured and from observations of trends within the healthcare industry, the consolidation of certain divisions within State agencies is viewed as a cost-effective way to create systematic efficiencies; and

WHEREAS, Given the direction Illinois and other states are taking as they move toward healthcare integration and a complete system of care for Medicaid services, the Department of Human Services' Divisions of Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and Developmental Disabilities have been identified for consolidation into a new Division of Behavioral Health within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for the following reasons:

(1) to eliminate redundant infrastructure by consolidating information technology and claims processing into one comprehensive system that works;

(2) to eliminate redundant administrative positions;

(3) to reduce administrative overheard costs;

(4) to ensure care coordination for Medicaid enrollees;

(5) to streamline enrollment processes for consumers;

(6) to streamline claims processing by requiring all service providers to report and to bill to one entity for all of the healthcare needs of Medicaid enrollees;

(7) to increase provider accountability by producing accurate data of service provider outcomes and measures; and

(8) to achieve the goal of less administrative overhead for providers, resulting in more individuals served with no new expenditures; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that there is created a task force to examine the advisability of consolidating the Department of Human Services' Divisions of Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and Developmental Disabilities into a new Division of Behavioral Health within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force shall consist of 9 members, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and 3 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, all of whom shall serve without compensation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Human Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide administrative and other support to the task force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force shall report its findings to the House Human Services Committee on or before June 1, 2013; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.