Illinois court delays order to halt expanded health coverage
Illinois physicians and hospitals will continue to receive payments for treating certain low-income parents covered by a state-funded insurance program, known as FamilyCare, after the state Supreme Court delayed a judge's order halting the program's expansion.
An appeals court in September ruled that Gov. Rod. R. Blagojevich lacked the authority to extend income requirements for FamilyCare without legislative approval. The program offers health insurance to parents of children eligible for the State Children's Health Insurance Program. A trial court on Oct. 15 then forbade the Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services from using any public dollars to fund the FamilyCare program.
The Illinois Supreme Court granted the governor's request to put the order on hold while justices decide whether to accept the state's appeal in the underlying case. Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services officials said they are reviewing the high court's recent decision. Meanwhile, "the stay does mean that we can pay providers," department spokeswoman Annie Thompson said.
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