IL HB5442

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services must remove public hospital inpatient and outpatient services from the fixed pool directed payment amounts for Medicaid hospital access payments.

The Department must enter into intergovernmental agreements with governing bodies of public hospitals to ensure continued access to inpatient and outpatient services in rural areas, subject to federal approval.

If federal approval for the intergovernmental agreements is not received, the Department must reinstate public hospitals to the directed payment hospital classes.

The bill amends Section 5A-12.7 of the Illinois Public Aid Code (Hospital Provider Funding Article) regarding continuation of hospital access payments.