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, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:29:00 GMT
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues.
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues; family connection, mental and physical health challenges, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
