Cook County hopes to save $99M through Medicaid waivers
Posted:
Updated:
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
Cook County'scash-strapped public health and hospital system hopes to save an estimated $99million thanks to more than 1,000 federal Medicaid waivers that were announcedon Friday.
The waivers will helpthe health system enroll more than 115,000 uninsured patients into the federalhealth program.
County BoardPresident Toni Preckwinkle said she has worked with state and federal lawmakersto obtain the waivers.
"I am so pleased tosee this result after many months of hard work," Preckwinkle said in astatement. "Our health care system is vital to the community and we mustcontinue to ensure everyone in Cook County has access to quality medical care."
The waivers will onlybe accepted at county health facilities, but patients will be able to use themelsewhere after 2014, said county public health spokeswoman Marisa Kollias.Officials hope to keep the patients within the county health system after 2014.
Uninsured patientswho will be eligible for Medicaid in 2014 can get the waivers. They willreceive a "medical home" where they can obtain the routine and preventativemedical treatment, according to a county news release.
County officials havebeen working to find ways to drive down costs within the public health system,which counts two hospitals, an urgent care center and more than a dozenclinics.
While the county hadn'tsealed the deal until Friday, Preckwinkle was so confident the waivers wouldcome through she banked on them in her nearly $3 billion 2013 spending proposal— funding that largely helps run the health system as well as the courts andjail. The nearly $100 million will help as Preckwinkle works to erase aprojected $268 million shortfall next year.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:21:15 GMT
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:18:01 GMT
What a thrill to be invited as one of only two American journalists and nine other international journalists on a medical journalism study tour of some of Poland's finest international medical tourism destinations.
What a thrill to be invited as one of only two American journalists and nine other international journalists on a medical journalism study tour of some of Poland's finest international medical tourism destinations.
Jean Alves is a registered dietician at Rush University Medical Center. She explained what "drunkorexia"can do to your body and brain in the short term, as well as its lasting effects.
Jean Alves is a registered dietician at Rush University Medical Center. She explained what "drunkorexia"can do to your body and brain in the short term, as well as its lasting effects.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601
