SJ0051 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0051 LRB097 19809 GRL 65079 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly finds that health benefits exchanges authorized by the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are a cost-effective way in which the State can provide individuals access to greater coverage options; and

WHEREAS, The State has, pursuant to Public Act 97-0142, established an Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee to conduct a study regarding State implementation and establishment of an Illinois Health Benefits Exchange; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee has been directed to report on coverage for full-time and part-time employees and their dependents and to make recommendations to the General Assembly on prospective actions; and

WHEREAS, Health benefits exchanges currently provide affordable health insurance for hundreds of thousands of Medicare eligible retirees; and

WHEREAS, Health benefits exchanges may provide similar health benefits and reduced costs for Medicare eligible former State employees currently receiving health benefits from the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee shall study the utilization of a health benefits exchange in order to provide retiree health benefits for Medicare eligible former State employees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Legislative Study Committee shall hold subject-matter hearings and shall prepare a written report to be presented to members of the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2012; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the members of the Illinois General Assembly, the Governor of the State of Illinois, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of Health and Family Services, and the Director of Central Management Services.