Bill Text: IL SB2026 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Veto Message
Bill Title: Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Prohibits the State from applying for any federal waiver that would reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was in effect on January 1, 2017, including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions and coverage for services identified as essential health benefits under the ACA. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits the State from applying for any federal waiver that would permit an individual or group health insurance plan to reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the ACA that was in effect on January 1, 2017, including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions and coverage for services identified as essential health benefits under the ACA. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Prohibits the State or an agency of the executive branch from applying for any federal Medicaid waiver that would result in more restrictive standards, methodologies, procedures, or other requirements than those that were in effect in Illinois as of January 1, 2017 for the Medical Assistance Program, the Children's Health Insurance Program, or any other medical assistance program in Illinois operating under any existing federal waiver authorized by specified provisions of the Social Security Act. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Effective immediately.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 20-1)
Status: (Failed) 2019-10-30 - Total Veto Stands [SB2026 Detail]
Download: Illinois-2019-SB2026-Veto_Message.html
July 26, 2019
To the Honorable Members of
The Illinois Senate,
101st General Assembly:
Today I veto Senate Bill 2026 from the 101st General Assembly, which would have amended the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Illinois Insurance Code, and the Illinois Public Aid Code in a way that changes how the state can apply for waivers under federal statutes, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “ACA”), the Social Security Act, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program Act. While this legislation was well intended, unfortunately it does not afford the state enough flexibility to operate these programs.
My administration is fully committed to ensuring Illinoisans can access the full array of federal assistance for health benefits, and to expanding access to high quality and affordable healthcare for all the residents of the State. Illinois mandates coverage for pre-existing conditions, and many of the Essential Health Benefits designated by the ACA — such as preventive and wellness services, maternity and newborn care, and mental health and substance use disorder services — are codified in state law. In addition, the Trump administration’s attacks on healthcare continue to create uncertainty in the health insurance marketplace.
One of my administration’s priorities is to create healthier communities by improving the health of all Illinoisans. With that goal in mind, I do not anticipate any circumstances in which my administration would pursue waivers to limit Illinoisans’ access to federal programs or benefits. Nonetheless, it’s critical to retain our flexibility to innovate and be responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of the people of the State.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2026, entitled “AN ACT concerning government,” with the forgoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
Sincerely,
JB Pritzker
