IL HB2899

Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to ensure patients experiencing opioid-related overdose or withdrawal are admitted as inpatients rather than observation status for at least 48 hours at safety-net hospitals.

Prohibits managed care organizations from denying inpatient coverage for safety-net hospital patients with opioid overdose or withdrawal diagnoses for at least 48 hours from admission.

Cites disproportionately high opioid-related fatality rates among African Americans in under-resourced Illinois communities and high hospital readmission rates as justification for the requirement.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code by adding Section 5-41.