Kifowit Sponsors Legislation to Assist Local Hospitals and Nursing Homes While Saving Money

AURORA, Ill. – Local hospitals and nursing homes that provide the essential service of patient care for those in the community embrace the passage of Senate Bill 788. Dedicated to preserving patient care, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, was a co-sponsor on legislation that passed the Illinois House of Representatives which will preserve vital services for those in need, who can be the most vulnerable in our community, while also saving money for the State of Illinois.

“By working together, legislation such as this is a victory for patients, hospitals and nursing homes,” Kifowit said. “At a time where every part of the budget is facing cuts, we still need to protect the most vulnerable people within our community, who are mostly seniors and those who are disabled. The measure I co-sponsored will reduce the state’s budget deficit while maintaining excellent care for those in need.”

Area service providers respond positively to the passage of Senate Bill 788, and praises legislators for putting patient care first, which helps middle class families and preserves jobs.

“We join Rep. Kifowit and fellow legislators in supporting Senate Bill 788 that enables hospitals to continue providing high quality health care services in communities across the state,” said President & CEO Barry C. Finn from Rush-Copley Medical Center, 2200 Ogden Avenue in Aurora. “We appreciate their recognition that steps can be taken to control spending without sacrificing needed patient care.”

“Nursing home residents in our community greatly benefit from Rep. Kifowit’s leadership in Springfield,” said Administrator Tracy Pell from Alden of Waterford, 2021 Randi Drive, Aurora. “Senate Bill 788 dramatically reduces budget cuts for nursing home communities, which means we will be able to continue providing the quality care our patients and residents deserve, and protect jobs for nursing home professionals.”

Kifowit’s Senate Bill 788 will save the state money through a combination of cuts and increased federal dollars. Illinois is projected to save over $150 million through a 2.25 percent reduction in the reimbursement rate for medical providers and an increase in the Illinois Hospital Association assessment. Kifowit also believes that other savings will be obtained by allowing the state to contract with third party vendors to supply durable medical equipment in a more cost effective manner and by reducing fraud and abuse in the Medicaid program. In addition, the state stands to gain $200 million more in federal money under this bill due to an increase in service to Medicaid patients.

For more information, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office by phone at 630-585-1308, by email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or by visiting www.ILDistrict84.com.