NEWS RELEASE: Senator Frerichs Disappointed with Lack of Answers on Health Alliance
Today, COGFA met to discuss and approve the State’s new group insurance contracts, which, most notably, did not include a continued contract with Health Alliance. A member of the bi-partisan Commission, Senator Frerichs questioned the new contracts and the decision to drop Health Alliance.
Read the release after the jump.
NEWS
From the Illinois State Senate
State Senator Michael Frerichs
52nd Legislative District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 11, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION: RACHEL CRADDOCK (217) 782-0663
Senator Frerichs Disappointed with Lack of Answers on Health Alliance
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) met to discuss and approve the State’s new group insurance contracts, which, most notably, did not include a continued contract with Health Alliance. A member of the bi-partisan Commission, State Senator Michael Frerichs (D – Champaign) questioned the new contracts and the decision to drop Health Alliance.
“I’m very frustrated with the lack of answers about the decision to drop Health Alliance,” said Senator Frerichs. “I seriously question the amount of savings the Governor’s office claims to get from these new contracts, and I’m worried that many people in East-Central Illinois will lose access to affordable, quality health care.”
In response to last week’s news, Senator Frerichs wrote a letter to Governor Pat Quinn and Julie Hamos, Director of the Department of Health and Family Services, urging them to reconsider their decision to end the State’s contract with Health Alliance.
Senator Frerichs also launched a petition where people can show their support for a continued contract with Health Alliance. Both can be found at www.mikefrerichs.com.
“Health Alliance has long proven itself to be a reliable provider of quality, affordable health care in downstate Illinois. I’m convinced that ending our contract with Health Alliance will not result in cost-savings, but rather cost the state money in the end,” remarked Senator Frerichs. “I’d encourage those who stand with me in support of Health Alliance to visit my website and sign my petition.”
Health Alliance has filed a formal protest of this decision with the Protest Review Board. Senator Frerichs explained in his letter to Governor Quinn and Director Hamos that he fully supports Health Alliance and their protest. The protest period ends Friday, April 15, 2011.
The audio of Health Alliance CEO Jeff Ingram’s statement at Monday’s meeting, as well as audio of Senator Frerichs discussing this issue is also available at www.mikefrerichs.com.
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