Health Policy and Regulatory Impact
An ongoing Bill in my state that affects healthcare is the Illinois insurance Laws H.B 579 and H.B 2296, which were signed into law by Governor J.B Pritzker on June 29, 2023.
These bills expand the regulatory authority granted to the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) (IBSA, 2023). As mandated by House Bill 579, IDOI is required to shift the state marketplace from the federal platform to an exchange that is solely run and based in the state by plan year 2026. Additional adjustments to the IDOI regulation are made by House Bill 2296, which allows for the approval or disapproval of any future changes to the rates for individual, major company, and small group health insurance. Likewise, any insurance rates and updates, as well as explanations for the changes, will be displayed on IDOI’s website. IDOI is also required to give the general public a one-month public comment period for all the proposed rate changes, and the comments therein will be posted on the website.
Pros and Cones of House Bills 579 and 2296
The bill’s sponsors hope to give consumers more enrollment windows than the federal exchange by allowing them to enroll in Medicaid plans or the Affordable Care Act at the exact location (IBSA, 2023). The residents of Illinois should also benefit from this action by being protected from any modifications to the federal marketplace and associated federal policies, such as those that shorten enrollment periods or cut financing. The likelihood that insurers will defraud the public by offering unauthorized prices will be reduced thanks to Bill 2296. Furthermore, the effectiveness and advancement of insurance schemes depend on taking into account public opinion.
The Role of the Government on the Costs of Healthcare
The role of the government in healthcare settings has increased immensely over the years (World Health Organization, 2022). The government is a significant stakeholder in the establishment and maintenance of healthcare costs. The government regulates healthcare providers to ensure fair prices and prevent monopolies (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2020). Insurance programs sponsored by the government, such as Medicaid and Medicare, provide coverage to specific populations, influencing healthcare accessibility and the set prices for the services. Furthermore, the government may provide subsidies and direct funding to healthcare providers, making services more affordable for the general public. At the same time, the government may enact price controls on essential services and medications. Additionally, public initiatives such as those that protect citizens from acquiring infections prevent the need for expensive treatment (Minnesota Department of Health, 2019). All these government roles modify and streamline the costs of care at different levels.
The Regulatory Body that will implement this Policy
This law touches on the insurance marketplace of Illinois State, which is under the auspice of the IDOI. This department will oversee the implementation of the bill by enacting the initiatives stipulated by the Policy. Another regulatory body of importance is the government of Illinois State, which provides the funding for the bill to be undertaken
Differences between the Federal, State, and Local Healthcare Regulatory Responsibilities
The federal government offers an overarching authority over this Policy. Its role is to oversee the successful shifting of the marketplace from the federal to the state platform. Similarly, the federal government will continue to remit funds to government-sponsored insurance programs such as Medicaid. The role of the state will be to implement the Policy through IDOI. It will play a central role in facilitating the transition to a state platform, performing the confirmation of the insurance rates, and ensuring transparency and public engagement. In the end, the local authority has limited regulatory authority over this Policy. Their primary role is to mobilize and sensitize the general public on the use of new platforms for enrollment and public participation.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Illinois’ healthcare shift signals a dynamic approach to regulation, emphasizing state control and public input. House Bills 579 and 2296 aim to enhance accessibility, protect consumers, and curb insurance irregularities. While the transition to a state-run platform offers advantages, the challenge lies in effectively managing public comments. The government’s pivotal role in healthcare cost control and provision amplifies its impact. With the IDOI at the forefront, supported by federal and local collaboration, Illinois embarks on a healthcare evolution that reflects a commitment to transparency and public welfare.
References
IBSA, I. S. B. A. (2023, July). Illinois insurance law update: H.B. 579 and H.B. 2296 were signed into law; significant changes are on the horizon for Illinois’ health insurance industry | Illinois State Bar Association. Www.isba.org. https://www.isba.org/dailylegalnews/2023/08/01/illinoisinsurancelawupdatehb579andhb2296signedinto
Teitelbaum, J., & Wilensky, S. (2020). Essentials of health policy and law (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
World Health Organization. (2022, September 30). The role of government in supporting health. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/tools/your-life-your-health/a-healthy-world/people-s-roles/the-role-of-government-in-supporting-health
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